9TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

They neither marry nor are given in marriage, but they are like the angels in heaven.

The Sadducees probably didn’t expect this answer. After all, they were just testing Jesus. We’re told right away that they didn’t believe in the resurrection or in life after death. So asking Jesus about someone’s state in the hereafter was already a pointless question for them.

But it’s not pointless for us. Even we who believe in the resurrection wonder about what life will be like “on the other side.” Especially those of us who are married might wonder if Jesus’ words mean that this sacrament suddenly becomes meaningless when we die. And what about our parents, children, or other relatives? What about our lifelong friends? Will those relationships matter anymore?

Of course, we don’t know exactly what heaven is like. But we do know two things. First, our most important relationship, our relationship with the Lord, will reach its fulfillment in heaven. We will finally see him “face to face” (1 Corinthians 13:12), and we will finally be free to worship him with our whole hearts. In that respect, we will be “like the angels in heaven” (Mark 12:25).

Second, we won’t be alone. God created us to love one another and to be in communion with one another. So why shouldn’t that love continue on in some form after death? John tells us of a “great multitude” who worship God “day and night” before his throne (Revelation 7:9, 15).What’s more, the Catechism tells us that heaven is a “blessed communion with God and all who are in Christ” (1027, emphasis added). Heaven is not just a “me-and-Jesus” place. It’s a celebration for all the redeemed!

There’s no need to worry about whether your close relationships will disappear in heaven. In fact, these relationships will be perfected. You’ll experience the ultimate form of togetherness—a union in worship founded in the eternal, overflowing love of God. It doesn’t get any better than that! So thank the Lord that he has such an amazing plan for you—and for those who are dearest to you.

“Lord, I am longing for the day when my loved ones and I will be together in your presence!”

Tobit 3:1-11, 16-17
Psalm 25:2-9
Mark 12:18-27