November 06, 2016
32nd Sunday Ordinary Time
The church was first erected in the 4th century during the reign of Constantine. It was sacked after Jerusalem fell to the Persians in the 7th century, then rebuilt and later destroyed by Muslims caliphs in the 11 century. The church was restored by crusaders in the 12 century but burned to the ground in the 19 century and then rebuilt again. It is known today as the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. The present structure has been weakened by earthquakes and the ravages of rain and rust. Extensive renovation has begun. Crumbling mortar is being removed and corroded iron supports will be replaced by titanium. The preservation project did not intend to enter the chamber room that enshrined the tomb over which the original edifice was built. But to ensure that there will be no water leakage the chamber was opened for just sixty hours to collect samples, to take photographs and to reinforce the tomb. Only some 50 workers, scientists, monks and priests entered. They observed a marble slab on which a cross was carved and beneath it a limestone slab hewed from the wall of a cave that is believed to be where Jesus lay after his death.
The Church erected over the tomb of Jesus show reverence for the place where his lifeless body was laid after his crucifixion and death. But our faith does not rest on an empty ancient tomb but on the resurrection of Jesus Christ. If Jesus is not raised from death to new life our faith is in vain. Jesus is in debate with Sadducees who do not believe in resurrection. Jesus ends their discussion by saying: “God is a God of the living.†St. Paul writes of “everlasting encouragement and good hope.†The author of our first reading gives testimony of Jewish brothers, facing torture and death, expressing faith in God’s justice and hope of resurrection.
Friday is Veterans’ Day. We remember those who have served and have sacrificed to protect our nation. During the summer I visited a cemetery in Anzio, Italy where U.S. soldiers, sailors, flyers and medics are buried. The stroll through the cemetery was comforting and peaceful. It is our faith and hope that people we love who have gone before us will find peace beyond the battlefields of this world. May those who have fallen know our gratitude, experience God’s mercy, and enjoy eternal life.
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