They are the same as Angels

2 Macc. 7:1-2.9-14, 2 Thess. 2:16-3:5, Lk. 20:27-38. On this Thirty Second Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, the Church reminds us that if we valiantly persevere in times of temptation, hardship and persecution of this life, we shall achieve our hope in Christ. Today's first reading presents us with the story of the seven brothers, which is a typical example of how hope can sustain us. What was at stake was more than just eating of pork, it was about God’s command and their identity as the people of God. They faced persecution courageously because of the hope they had in God’s promise of Eternal Life: “It was heaven that gave me these limbs…from Him I hope to receive them again.”

The lesson we must learn from this heroic act, is that we must not be afraid of persecution or hardship for the sake of our faith in Christ. Rather, we should let the hope we have in the Eternal Life sustain us always: “Let us hold on unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful” (Heb. 10:23). To remain resolute in the face of persecution, Paul prays in today's second reading. He asked “God who equips with comfort and hope to strengthen us in everything that is good.” Paul wrote to the Thessalonians, who due to sufferings, persecutions and hardship expected the immediate return of Christ. The Sadducees often disrupted preaching of Jesus and vigorously argued with Him on many things. The dialogue between them and Jesus in today's Gospel is the most important doctrine of our Christian faith. Jesus affirms that there is a resurrection where the new life will be much different from what we think it will be. Everything about us: our life and relationships will be changed. We will just be the children of God and transform to be like Angels. While on earth people may see us more as devils than as angels but God sees us differently. We shall never be separated from God again after death.

May the faithful Lord give us strength and guard us from the evil ones! Amen!! Good morning and happy Sunday!!!