The Resurrected Body - Part 1

The Resurrected Body – Part 1

Submitted by Thomas Stidl

         Every time we say a rosary, we begin that prayer with the Apostles Creed.  When we are at Mass on weekends or Holy Days of Obligation, we recite the Nicene Creed.  Each creed mentions our belief in the resurrection of the body.  Has anyone ever thought about the characteristics of the resurrected human body?  In our Mass prayers for deceased relatives the priest reminds us that Jesus will raise our mortal bodies and make them like his own in glory.  So it becomes our task to investigate what we will have if we remain faithful to our divine calling and overcome the world, the flesh and the devil.

         Let’s start with what our appearance will be in the new kingdom.  Imagine a body without scars.  This may sound like vanity but all our wrinkles would disappear.  Bald men would have a full head of hair.  Any limbs that are missing would be present.  All deformed limbs would be made perfect.  There would be no arthritis aches and pains.  The deaf will hear.  The blind will see, and all people who have worn eyeglasses or contact lens would see perfectly without their assistance.  As we go through life, we usually wear out our teeth and need either partial or full dentures.  Imagine having real natural teeth again.  Any organs inside your body that became diseased would be restored.  All types of cancer, heart problems, lung problems, brain problems, liver problems, intestinal problems, and pancreatic problems will cease to exist.  All diseased organs will be restored to perfection.  Our bodies will then take on the characteristics of what Adam and Eve enjoyed before their fall from grace.  Our bodies will be perfect.

         Only one body will probably have the scars from earthly life.  Our Savior, Jesus, will probably retain the wounds in his hands, feet, and side.  It is to be a holy reminder to all of us of the horrendous price that Jesus prayed for our salvation.  It will also keep us humble in all our dealings with God and every other living being.

         In part 2, I will illustrate other properties of our human resurrected bodies.

        Until next time, Laus Tibi, Christe.  Deo Gratias.  Gloria Tibi Domini.  Praise be to God.  See you in Paradise. Amen.