“God did not make death . . . he formed man to be imperishable, the image of his own nature.” These words from the Book of Wisdom (1:13-15) along with many other New Testament references (note esp, John 11:25) tell us that final death is not in God’s plan for humankind.
So why then do we die? It’s really a rather pressing question since we’re all headed there.
First, a little catechism lesson. Catholic doctrine teaches what is revealed in sacred scripture, namely that the first humans (Adam and Eve) were given, as part of their very being, a share in the divine nature of God their creator.
This meant they were in fellowship, in union, with God. Genesis says they “walked with the Lord in the evening breeze.” Their minds were fully consumed with the will and love of God who so graciously shared His life with them. With this fellowship came a recognition that they were God’s creatures, and as creatures they were to submit to God’s plan for them. They did this happily in their original innocence.
But then came the fall from God’s friendship and with that all kinds of things happened. They experienced a weakening of the mind and will (what was previously a clear and happy recognition of God’s will, now was clouded by ignorance, doubt and fear). The man and woman experienced an estrangement from each other – – they experienced shame and nakedness.
But most devastating was an experience of death. Death now brought a total separation from God. It was a return to the earth to nevermore exist.
To be clear, there had always been a natural death. All creation; stars, galaxies, oceans, trees, and animal life have, as their nature, a limited time of life. Like the giant oak, Adam and Eve’s body would experience the effects of time. And with age, natural death would happen. Scripture calls this the “first death” – – our bodies.
By God’s plan, death would be a door through which man would enter into full union with God who is pure Spirit. But with the Fall, what was natural death had become something new. Death was now a final estrangement from God who is the source of our life. And so follows the fear we all have of our final demise.
Scripture refers to the final separation from God “the second death” (Rev. 21:8) So there are two deaths: natural death that comes to all creation by God’s plan and the spiritual death of our relationship as children of God.
But “God is love”. How can God let this happen to us?
Here is the amazing thing. Theologians and Church teaching show us that God, holding all time to come in His hand, knew at the moment he created the world, that human freedom would fail to be His faithful creature – – choosing instead to “become like God”. (Gen. 3:4)
And so, in the moment of creation God foresaw His entering the world as a human being to restore the right relationship with our creator. In Christ, God would present His love and truth to the world. In Christ, humanity would be offered a vision and a reunion with God that would bring an end to the second death and what Jesus calls the Resurrection. “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me shall have eternal life.” (John 11:25)
And how can we be sure this offer from God is real? – – not just poetry or wishful thinking? Because God’s offer to never abandon us was made when he gave up his body for love of us. (To think that God would know of the cries “crucify him!” would bring the death of his Son BEFORE he created Adam and Eve! Whew!)
So that’s what God has done to remedy the second death begun in our rebellion at the beginning. Now it’s back to us. Will we accept the love of God sealed in the blood of Christ? Will we live our lives seeking to do God’s will as revealed by Jesus? Will we carry the cross that Jesus said would come to his disciples? Will we be a light to those who do not believe that God can be so good?
God help us to say “yes Lord” How blessed we are.
Fr. Tim
