Father Albertus Herwanta, O. Carm
Human life is a series of transitions, from the prenatal stage to late adulthood, each marking a distinct phase of growth and development. These earthly transitions, however, all seem to culminate in one final event: death. From a purely human perspective, death appears to be the definitive end of our journey. But is it truly the conclusion of all life transitions, or merely another passage?
The readings for this Lenten season offer a resounding and hopeful answer. In Ezekiel 37:12-14, God promises His people, "I will open your graves and have you rise from them." In its original context, God told them of the exile of Israel in a metaphor for their national restoration. However, the verse became foundational for the Jewish belief in bodily resurrection. It shows God's power to restore what is dead. This prophetic vision is not merely about a physical return to life in this world but also a profound declaration of God's power over death itself.
Similarly, St. Paul, in his letter to the Romans (8:8-11), assures us that the same Spirit who raised Jesus Christ from the dead will also give life to our mortal bodies. Paul means the same Holy Spirit who physically raised Jesus from the dead will one day resurrect believers. This promise guarantees our future bodily resurrection, transforming our current mortal, dying bodies into immortal, glorified bodies just as Christ was raised, because we have the Spirit living in us now. This is not a vague hope but a concrete promise of transformation.
"I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?" (John 11:25)
The Gospel of John provides the ultimate illustration through the raising of Lazarus. In this powerful sign, Jesus demonstrates His authority over death, declaring, "I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live" (John 11:25). Jesus reminds us of the significant meaning of believing in Him, the resurrection, and life.
These scripture passages converge on a single, transformative truth: death is not an end but a transition. It is the final and most significant passage from our mortal, temporal existence to a spiritual and eternal one.
This transition is not automatic; it is made possible through faith in Jesus Christ. Our mortal bodies, subject to decay and time, will be exchanged for spiritual bodies, imperishable and eternal. It is the core of the Christian hope.
During Lent, as we reflect on our mortality and the fleeting nature of earthly life, we are invited to prepare for this ultimate transition. It is a season to deepen our faith in Christ, the one who conquered death.
We are called to live not in fear of life's final stage, but in confident hope of the resurrection. The transition from this life to the next is not a graduation into nothingness but a passage into the very presence of God, where our life, hidden with Christ in God, will be revealed in its fullness.
Thus, our life's journey is not a circle that ends in death but a path that, through Christ, leads to eternal life. (*)