The Worst Day of Your Life
In the reading from Tobit both Tobit and Sarah are praying to God lamenting that what is happening in their lives must be absolutely the worst days of their lives.
Tobit has cataracts and does not believe his wife. Sarah has been married seven times but on her wedding night the demon Asmodeus kills her husband. (Are you asking yourself the question, “Where is this in the Bible?” Please take the time to read the book of Tobit.) Both Tobit and Sarah pray that they die and end this agony. But upon reflection realize that what they are asking for is not the will of God. They do not know why God will not end their life, but it must be something He has in mind for them. Unbeknownst to them, God has planned to send the archangel Raphael. (This is getting better all the time.)
Offset this to the gospel today. Jesus is being asked a whether ridiculous question. If a woman is married seven times and unfortunately each husband dies, in heaven who will be her husband. Remember, the Sadducees were the people who did not believe in heaven. They have come up with an exaggerated challenge hoping to trip up Jesus.
His answer is telling of heaven. People are not married in heaven. There is no need for marriage because you will no longer have children. We are to participate in creation here on earth by having children. That does not mean you stop loving your spouse in heaven. Jesus did not say that. You will know your spouse but now in heaven you will also know a greater love, the love God pours into you. You will still love your children and family, but in a greater love once you are in heaven. This is all leading up to the commandment to love one another as I have loved you.
May the Lord bless you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen