Dear Parishioners of St. James:
Praised be Jesus Christ!
We proclaim in the Nicene Creed every Sunday that, “We look forward to the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come.” Life in this world is not all there is. Life on earth is only a miniscule fraction of everlasting life. This life passes quickly and the next life awaits.
Jesus said that those deemed worthy to attain to the resurrection of the dead (i.e., go to Heaven), can no longer die since they are children of God. The resurrection of the dead is promised to those who live as worthy sons and daughters of our heavenly Father. God is worth dying for because He is worth living for. Our earthly body corrupts; our heavenly body endures glorified forever. Those who live apart from God’s grace will die forever. Those who live in God’s grace will be raised triumphantly. Should we not then live so as to inherit glory instead of corruption?
The resurrection of the just is a sure thing. God wants our faithfulness in order to preserve us for life everlasting. In Heaven there will be no more death or pain or loss. The Lord will confirm His faithful ones in love and peace forever. Do not fear death. For the faithful, life really begins when we breathe our last in this world.
God bless you,
Fr. Geary
Saint James Catholic Church 