Resurrection of the Dead

Homily of Saturday of the 33rd week in ordinary time. 
Revelation 11:4-12, Luke 20:27-40

The resurrection of the dead is a topic that has sparked debates and diverse beliefs across cultures and religions. While not everyone or every belief system accepts this concept, it is embraced by Christians, Muslims, African Traditional Religions, and even the Pharisees in biblical times.

Christians hold firmly to the resurrection, as reflected in Jesus’ words: “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though they die” (John 11:24-27). For us Catholics, this belief is proclaimed in the Creed: “I believe in the resurrection of the dead and life everlasting.”
Muslims also share a belief in resurrection, emphasising that those who die in service to Allah are rewarded in paradise. Similarly, African Traditional Religion teaches that the elderly who lived virtuous lives transition into ancestors, serving as good spirits who guide and govern the living. More so, today’s readings echo this belief in life beyond death, reminding us of the hope we have in the resurrection.

Talking from personal experience, I remember, some years ago, my maternal grandfather experienced something extraordinary. He stopped breathing, and our family mourned, believing he had passed. Hours later, to everyone’s shock, he opened his eyes and asked why people were crying. When they told him he had “died,” he replied, “No, I thought I was only dreaming.” He went on to describe what happened during that time: He found himself walking down a long, lonely road, eventually arriving at a gate where he saw a group of women dressed in white wrappers. Overjoyed at finally meeting someone, he tried to join them. However, the women told him, “Your time has not yet come. Go back.” Moments later, he woke up to the tearful faces of his loved ones. Not long after narrating this experience, he passed away for good. This story left me pondering the mystery of life, death, and what lies beyond.

I firmly believe that death is not the end. It is a passage to another realm where our souls continue to exist. We may not fully understand the mysteries of the afterlife, but stories like my grandfather’s remind us that there is more to life than what we see. As we journey through life, may we live in hope of the resurrection, trusting that God has prepared a place for us beyond this world.

May God strengthen our faith and grant us the grace to live in the hope of eternal life, through Christ our Lord. Amen.