Saturday, November 22, 2014, St. Cecilia
Revelation 11:4-12, Psalm 144:1-2, 9-10, Luke 20:27-40
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/112214.cfm
LIFE AFTER DEATH
"The children of this age marry and are given in marriage, but those judged worthy of a place in the age to come and of resurrection from the dead do not." -Luke 20:34-35
During the persecution of the Christians by the Emperor Domitian, the Book of Revelation was written to encourage them to remain faithful to Jesus. Many had lost their lives and were among the first martyrs of Christianity.
St. John depicts the two witnesses as Moses (Ex 7:17-20; Rv 11:6) and Elijah (1 Kgs 18:36-40; Jas 5:17; Rv 11:6), the same individuals who appeared at the Transfiguration with Jesus (Mk 9:4). He makes the point of showing that they have resurrected from the dead and gone to heaven. The reference to three-and-one-half days (Rv 11:11) refers to the time of tribulation similar to the three-and-one-quarter years during which the Maccabees had revolted against Antiochus Epiphanes IV in 165 B.C. The witnesses triumphed over their enemies and went to heaven (Rv 11:12).
The Pharisees believed in the resurrection of the body whereas the Sadducees did not (Lk 20:27). Today we hear of many bizarre theories such as reincarnation which deny the resurrection of the body and in a certain sense the immortality of the soul. The Scriptures are very clear about life after death. The continuance of life is that which gives meaning to human mortality. The Eucharist is already a foretaste of the continuance of life. The Eucharist is a pledge of our future glory. Believe in the resurrection. Live in that hope so as to be strong as you follow Jesus.
Prayer: "Blessed be the Lord, my Rock, who trains my hands for battle, my fingers for war" (Ps 144:1).
Promise: "God is not the God of the dead but of the living. All are alive for Him." -Lk 20:38
Praise: St. Cecilia, her husband, and his brother all were crowned as martyrs and praise Jesus forever in eternal joy.
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Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant my permission to publish "One Bread, One Body" covering the period from October 1, 2014 through November 30, 2014
?Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, April 24, 2014
The rescript is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted ecclesial permission agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.
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