Eternal Life (33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time)

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One of the most poignant lines in the Nicene Creed comes at the very end, where we confess: “and I look forward to the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come.” This line expresses the Christian belief in the final consummation of all things, where everyone’s bodies will be resurrected, the righteous to eternal life, and the wicked to eternal condemnation.

Although this belief is thought of as a New Testament concept, we see evidence for it in the Old Testament as well. We read, for example, that Job proclaims that even after his body is destroyed, he will see God in the flesh (Job 19:25-27). Yet today’s reading from Daniel is one of the clearest examples of the affirmation that there will be a resurrection and final judgment at the last day.

This day shall be preceded by a period of great trouble, far exceeding anything that came before it in history (v. 1a). This closely mirrors language found in both the Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24-25) and the book of Revelation, indicating a direct line of development in progressive revelation.

Yet there is hope, as it states that God will deliver his people (v. 1b), and that all the righteous shall inherit eternal life (v. 2). This gives great comfort to us who have faith in God, knowing that death is not the end, and our faithfulness will be rewarded in the end. Especially honoured in this passage are those who share their wisdom with others and help lead them to righteousness (v. 3).

This also serves as a warning to those who do not yet have faith, to repent and believe while there is yet time. Otherwise, they will suffer eternal punishment by being cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:11-15).

J. Luis Dizon