32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time
Lk 20:27-38
November 6, 2022

I gave myself quite a headache this week… ”multi-tasking!”

I was reflecting on the Readings for this Sunday. Simultaneously, I was working on a brief homily for a special 25th Wedding Anniversary Mass that I have the honor of celebrating for very close friends later in the week. The result was a spiritual collision of sorts that left me banging my head against the wall (figuratively, not literally) …hence, the headache.

Most Scripture passages recommended for the celebration of the Sacrament of Christian Marriage, along with the ritual prayers which the Church has composed, in one way or another, support the notion that the marriage covenant will survive even death. In other words, Christian Marriage offers the promise of an eternal reunion in the Kingdom. That is certainly the image that I am hoping to communicate to my friends: What began 25 years ago is, in fact, timeless and will come to fulfillment in the Kingdom.

But then it dawned on me: How credible will my anniversary homily be when my friends have just heard Jesus quoted as saying: “Those who are deemed worthy to attain to the coming age and to the resurrection of the dead neither marry nor are given in marriage”?

It certainly appears that the Lord Himself is contradicting the hopes and dreams that we strive to instill in the minds and hearts of brides and grooms…as well as those celebrating 25 years of married love.

So, what is a multi-tasking preacher to do? What are a bride and groom to think? How should a couple celebrating a silver wedding anniversary feel about all of this? (Starting to get a headache?)

Forget reaching for an aspirin. Instead, take special note of the fact that it was members of the Sadducees wing of Judaism asking the question. Although, in theory, they were religious leaders, members of this elite, wealthy, and powerful wing of Judaism were more influenced by Greek philosophy than The Law of Moses. They were also highly political, very concerned to be in the good graces of the Romans.

Accordingly, among other things revealed by God, they rejected the possibility of resurrection. So why even ask a question about resurrection? It is doubtful that they really wanted to know what Jesus thought. Rather than the desire to learn something, they most likely hoped to make Jesus look foolish.

We can tell from His response that Jesus was aware of their true motives. He must also have appreciated that they were “unteachable.” But, in a sense, He had no choice but to “multi-task.” He had to respond to them…and at the same time, take the opportunity to teach those who really wanted to learn…including us today.

His answer does not undermine any of the beautiful imagery with which we celebrate the Sacrament of Christian Marriage; rather, it seems to take it to the next level. After first affirming the resurrection of the dead, the Lord goes on to compare the “children of God” with angelic beings. Living out the marriage covenant in fidelity and love offers spouses a glimpse of what that all means. Furthermore, married love and fidelity is also a beautiful way for a husband and wife to work together to ensure that, someday, they both enjoy what, in this life, we can only imagine.

The Lord’s answer to these hypocrites most likely gave them headaches. But His response for us…for all sincere and genuine seekers…should be a source of great comfort and peace.

What Jesus has given is assurance that what awaits those who are called to resurrected life defies any experience, hope, or dream which we might enjoy here and now. The message here seems to be simply this: TRUST IN GOD…AND PREPARE FOR PERFECT AND INFINITE PEACE, JOY, AND LOVE!