Lectionary: 156
Read the Gospel: Luke 20-27-38
Gospel Summary
At the time Jesus lived, not everyone believed in resurrection. The Sadducees especially resisted the idea and tried to make Jesus look foolish when they asked who would be the man’s wife in heaven. They posed a situation where a woman’s husband died. As was the custom of the time, the brother of a deceased man married the widow in order to insure heirs. They predicted that hypothetically if enough husbands died, she could meet seven husbands at her own resurrection. Which one would be her husband in heaven, they wondered? Neither we nor the Sadducees can fully understand life after death, but Jesus asks us to trust that something much greater than our understanding awaits us at the resurrection.
Reflection for Families
How many countless sentences from our children begin, “What if?” Indeed, the Sadducees were trying to trick Jesus, but in the case of our children, they are eager to learn. Their minds and imaginations work rapidly and it often requires the wisdom and patience of Jesus to keep pace with these inquisitive and curious gifts.
Bringing the Gospel into Your Family
Children are naturally curious about heaven. We might answer their curiosity with what we believe but making it clear that no one really knows what heaven is like. Invite your child to draw a picture as s/he imagines heaven.
Discussion Starters
- When someone asks what I believe about heaven, I will tell them . . .
- Even though I don’t understand many things Jesus taught, my faith helps me know . . .
- My faith in the resurrection really helped me when . . .
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