33rd Week in Ordinary Time (C) : Saturday 19th November 2022

The Book of Revelation can be puzzling. Previously John had been asked to measure the sanctuary – an indication of protection and preservation of the faithful. In today’s passage, two witnesses gave testimony to faith in God but were killed by the unbelievers. There was great rejoicing over their death; however, after three and one-half days, God breathed life into them, and they joined Him in heaven. Many saw it and believed.

The Sadducees approached Jesus with a question about the resurrection. They did not believe in the resurrection, so they attempted to trick Jesus. They asked a question based on the practice regarding marriage in Deuteronomy in which it was the duty of a man’s brother to marry his widow to perpetuate the name and family of the man who had died. Jesus affirmed that although there is resurrection after death, marriage does not continue in death. Jesus showed that the Sadducees did not understand the Scriptures as God is “God not of the dead but of the living”, affirming that the patriarchs are still alive; therefore, the dead are resurrected. The resurrection gives us great hope and consolation that we will be with our Lord forever.

Lord, thank You for the promise of eternal life.