They are like the Angels

 Tobit 3:1-11.16-17, Mark 12:18-27. In distress, Tobit prayed to the Lord and the Lord heard him. Today’s first reading recounts how his prayer helped Tobias' journey to be productive. His journey not only find a cure for his father’s blindness, but also enables Tobit to see his grandchildren and to die in peace.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus is approached by the Sadducees, who saw no prospect of a life after death. They challenged Jesus as one whom they know has a different view on this issue. The scenario they put to Jesus indicates a view of the afterlife as an extension of this earthly life. However, Jesus proposes another scenario: “When they rise from the dead, men and women do not marry; no, they are like the angels in heaven.” In Christian belief, the life that awaits us in Heaven is not just a continuation of life on earth; it is qualitatively different. We can be sure, therefore, that because of the transformation that awaits us we will be more like the person God wills us to be and always intended us to be.

May the Lord strengthen us by His love, so that we may always walk more graciously in His presence! Amen!! Have a glorious day!!!