Memorial of Saint Charles Borromeo, Bishop
Death is on my mind. Although writing this reflection for Friday’s readings, I am actually writing and typing this on Wednesday, All Souls’ Day. Not only that, but I learned a few days ago that a friend and choir member from a previous parish, younger than myself, died after a short stay in the hospital; she lived most of her life in a wheelchair with others caring for her bodily needs. On top of that, my sister was recently told she has cancer, something that both of my sisters have previously battled. While at the same time, my aging father struggles to walk, and my mother struggles to breathe. Our bodies are limited; we are all mortal. Yet I am reminded today in Paul’s letter to the Philippians of our hope in the Resurrection of the Body. Not just the soul.
“He will change our lowly body to conform with his glorified Body…” (Philippians 3:21a)
St. Paul is encouraging the Christians of Philippi, and we can be encouraged by his words as well. “Therefore, my brothers and sisters, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, in this way stand firm in the Lord, beloved.” (4:1)
It does bring me some consolation and peace, remembering that the limitations and sufferings of our earthly bodies is not the end of the story. Jesus’ glorified body as revealed to the disciples before his ascension was not a ghost. He ate and drank with them and invited Thomas to put his fingers and hand in his bodily wounds that he might believe. We may not know what exactly changing “our lowly body to conform with his glorified Body” looks like, but it gives me hope and tells me that God cares about us wholly, both body and soul.
A few verses beyond today’s passage gives further encouragement. “Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your heart and minds in Christ Jesus.” (4:6-7)
With the Good News that our faith offers and St. Paul reminds us, death doesn’t have the final word, even over our bodies. Death is still on my mind, but now it’s with confidence in placing our loved ones, both living and deceased, into our Savior’s loving and glorified arms.
~Eileen Miller