Wednesday of the Tenth Week in Ordinary Time

Lectionary: 361

"Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets.
I have come not to abolish but to fulfill."

Saint Paul confidently quoted Isaiah as he announced the Gospel to his Corinthian congregation, 

"What eye has not seen, and ear has not heard, and what has not entered the human heart, what God has prepared for those who love him.

We often say at funerals that the beloved has "gone to a better place." But we admit our vision of what exactly God has promised to those who love him is rather hazy. Is it a city with streets of gold, or a green pasture in a lush valley; a family reunion or a sumptuous banquet? Will there be work to do? Responsibilities? Will we study new languages or just know them intuitively? Or perhaps we'll speak telepathically, without words? (Which might be awkward if people can read our uncensored minds.) And how long is eternity anyway? In any case, it's pretty far away. 

Having run up against that uncertainty we might admit that heaven is not exactly a place, even if it is better. I was reminded of this dilemma while reading a recent statement out of the Vatican. "Dignitas Infinita” (On Human Dignity) 

The dicastery teaches that there is "a fourfold distinction of the concept of dignity." and the most fundamental dignity is that which belongs to every human being regardless of their state of development, ability, virtue, or standing among other human beings. The dignity of each one is inviolable because they are made in God's image and likeness. 

Some patristic teachers played with the word likeness, and suggested that image concerns our origins. Where we came from. And likeness, our destiny. Where we're going.

Beloved, we are God’s children now; what we shall be has not yet been revealed. We do know that when it is revealed we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.
Everyone who has this hope based on him makes himself pure, as he is pure. 

This promise made to every human being also gives us a dignity which we must recognize and honor. In human affairs a prince may become a king; and a princess, a queen. And these youngsters are honored for that future status. All the more, as Christians, should we honor the likeness of God that is even now appearing in each of us. 

Again, in human affairs, we can sometimes imagine how much better we might be. A child hopes to become a professional athlete, a teacher, scholar, or president of the United States. Some children set out with remarkable determination and prescience to attain their goal. Who can't improve his present abilities? 

Entering the Church we become acquainted with men and women who are clearly more patient, more generous, and more compassionate than ourselves. We want to emulate them, and sometimes discover that we are indeed making progress. 

Can anyone imagine the fulfillment of their potential?  A culture of death eagerly cuts off our potential for growth in virtue. They do not recognize the destiny promised to every human being, regardless of health, wealth, or virtue -- or lack thereof. Acute and chronic illnesses are avenues to reliance on, and fellowship with, others. They teach us patience and compassion. As do failure, bankruptcy, and grief. The worst catastrophes bring out the best in people. 

As Mary remained with her Son on Calvary, could she imagine the glory of his resurrection and the revelation of his divinity? Can such things be imagined? Perhaps not; but they can be anticipated. We owe ourselves that much.

What eye has not seen, and ear has not heard,
and what has not entered the human heart,
what God has prepared for those who love him,”
this God has revealed to us through the Spirit.
For the Spirit scrutinizes everything, even the depths of God.