Resurrection Questions
Every Wednesdays and Saturdays, Catholics pray the rosary while meditating on the Glorious Mysteries. Recently, I’ve been thinking very much of the Resurrection of Jesus.
We believe that Jesus rose from the dead, body and soul and not mere spirit. This has been proved in the Bible when it records that St. Thomas was asked to put his hands into Jesus’ wounds and also when Jesus ate breakfast together with the Apostles. We know too that the body of Jesus after resurrection looked different, thus the disciples on the road to Emmaus didn’t recognize Him throughout the journey. We term this as the glorified body of Jesus.
I have tried to imagine what characteristics my glorified body would have.
- Would I retain my greying and thinning hair?
- Would I retain my current skin color?
- Would I lose my paunch?
There are certain attributes I’m sure that my glorified body would not retain. These would be all the pathologies that affect me before death like, joint pain, skin infections and muscles aches.
However, the greater question I have is what would I do with a body on the New Earth? Will there be work to be done? Would I feel hunger and therefore would I have to hunt for food? In the New Earth, will there be animals, as these definitely will not be resurrected. So where do I get food as there cease to be any more killing even of animals if they exist.
How about relationships? I have already sent off one wife to the Lord. What kind of relationship would I have with my late wife and current wife in the New Earth? What about my sons, would they still call me papa? What do I call my parents?
Catholics believe that the saints who are in Heaven are pure spirits while their bodies still lie on Earth in various states of decay. But on Judgment Day, their bodies will be reunited with their souls. If we are going to be in Heaven long before we get our bodies back, what do we need them for anyway?
I find it easier to understand Heaven rather than the concept of the glorified body. Despite this lack of understanding, I believe that the teachings of the Church are true. This is a Mystery that I shall carry with me for millenia…..
