I was blessed to be chosen (partially my own choice, it should be noted) to teach one of the sixth grade religious education classes at my parish, Saint Mary of the Mills. One day, a student asked me, "Will there be food in Heaven? Because I think I'll be hungry. Can we have pizza delivered?"
While this may have been a random attempt at stalling the class, I took it for a semi-sincere question. The boy often talks about his hunger, so he probably was honestly wondering. I responded as best I could, which of course required serveral distinctions.
First, we have to look at our state when we enter the afterlife. Following our individual death, our soul goes on to judgement for how our lives have been lived. As Catholics, we hope that we will make it to Heaven, though many have to make the detour through Purgatory to polish up the rough spots on our souls. Being sent to Hell is certainly possible and I can pretty much guarantee no pizza is locally made or delivered there. No matter which of the three options, our condition will still be the same--a soulless body. Without a body, food is not necessary.
But there will be the Resurrection of the Dead at the end of time. I referenced the Nicene Creed (which is in the back of the class workbook among other prayers). At the end of the creed, we profess, "I look forward to the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come." At the end of time everyone will rise from the dead, i.e. their souls will be reunited to their bodies. So then the question becomes, "Will our resurrected bodies need food?"
While this branches out into speculative theology, we do have some evidence about the condition of the resurrected body. At least two people won't rise from the dead at the end of time. Jesus won't rise from the dead because He already did on Easter morning. He had a glorified body that has differences and similarities to His pre-resurrected state of being. Some people, even close friends, didn't recognize Him, so His appearance must be somewhat different. Apparently He could walk through walls, or at least locked doors. On the other hand, the Apostle Thomas put his hand in His wounds from the crucifixion, so Jesus does have a physical body with attributes from His former life. Jesus ate several times after the resurrection (He had some broiled fish on the shore and ate meals with disciples). Clearly we'll still be able to eat.
The New Testament never mentions that Jesus was hungry, just that He asked for and ate food. I imagine in the new heaven and new earth of the authentic post-apocalyptic period (just go read the Apocalypse and see how it ends--not zombies and desolation, but a new Jerusalem), we will have access to food. All good things are from God. Why wouldn't there be the good things like pets and pizza in our truly final resting place? We probably won't be hungry but it will be a big party celebrating the glory of the Lord. And what's a party without something to snack on?
I am of the opinion that food will be available in Heaven. Just not yet and not delivery.
p.s. In case you're wondering about the other person who won't rise from the dead, she also rose some two thousand years ago. Mary, the mother of God, was assumed body and soul into Heaven. I hope she's making Jesus a snack right now, because that's what good moms do.
While this may have been a random attempt at stalling the class, I took it for a semi-sincere question. The boy often talks about his hunger, so he probably was honestly wondering. I responded as best I could, which of course required serveral distinctions.
First, we have to look at our state when we enter the afterlife. Following our individual death, our soul goes on to judgement for how our lives have been lived. As Catholics, we hope that we will make it to Heaven, though many have to make the detour through Purgatory to polish up the rough spots on our souls. Being sent to Hell is certainly possible and I can pretty much guarantee no pizza is locally made or delivered there. No matter which of the three options, our condition will still be the same--a soulless body. Without a body, food is not necessary.
But there will be the Resurrection of the Dead at the end of time. I referenced the Nicene Creed (which is in the back of the class workbook among other prayers). At the end of the creed, we profess, "I look forward to the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come." At the end of time everyone will rise from the dead, i.e. their souls will be reunited to their bodies. So then the question becomes, "Will our resurrected bodies need food?"
While this branches out into speculative theology, we do have some evidence about the condition of the resurrected body. At least two people won't rise from the dead at the end of time. Jesus won't rise from the dead because He already did on Easter morning. He had a glorified body that has differences and similarities to His pre-resurrected state of being. Some people, even close friends, didn't recognize Him, so His appearance must be somewhat different. Apparently He could walk through walls, or at least locked doors. On the other hand, the Apostle Thomas put his hand in His wounds from the crucifixion, so Jesus does have a physical body with attributes from His former life. Jesus ate several times after the resurrection (He had some broiled fish on the shore and ate meals with disciples). Clearly we'll still be able to eat.
The New Testament never mentions that Jesus was hungry, just that He asked for and ate food. I imagine in the new heaven and new earth of the authentic post-apocalyptic period (just go read the Apocalypse and see how it ends--not zombies and desolation, but a new Jerusalem), we will have access to food. All good things are from God. Why wouldn't there be the good things like pets and pizza in our truly final resting place? We probably won't be hungry but it will be a big party celebrating the glory of the Lord. And what's a party without something to snack on?
I am of the opinion that food will be available in Heaven. Just not yet and not delivery.
p.s. In case you're wondering about the other person who won't rise from the dead, she also rose some two thousand years ago. Mary, the mother of God, was assumed body and soul into Heaven. I hope she's making Jesus a snack right now, because that's what good moms do.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment