As Catholics, we believe in the resurrection of the body. We profess it in our creed. We're taught that to bury and pray for the dead are corporal and spiritual works of mercy. We honor the dead in our Liturgy through the Rite of Christian burial. We do all of this, and more, because when Jesus Christ took on flesh for the salvation of our souls he also bestowed great dignity on our bodies. In Hope to Die: The Christian Meaning of Death and the Resurrection of the Body, Scott Hahn explores the significance of death and burial from a Catholic perspective. The promise of the bodily resurrection brings into focus the need for the dignified care of our bodies at the hour of death. Unpacking both Scripture and Catholic teaching, Hope to Die reminds us that we are destined for glorification on the last day. Our bodies have been made by a God who loves us. Even in death, those bodies point to the mystery of our salvation.
Mary in Different Traditions: Seeing the Mother of Jesus with New Eyes by Thomas G Casey, SJ
How can we learn to see Mary in a new way?The author explores the insights of other faiths Protestantism, Orthodoxy, Islam, and Judaism; and also the insights of the other within the Catholic tradition the Eastern-rite Catholics who, despite their full communion with Rome, have a distinct approach to Mary based on their unique liturgical and spiritual tradition. Perhaps the novelty of their viewpoints on Mary can bring us to the joy of surprise about her once again. If we can learn to wonder anew about this woman from Nazareth, maybe we’ll be brought to enjoy the even greater wonder of her son, Jesus.
Thomas Casey, SJ is an Irish Jesuit priest, A professor of philosophy for 10 years ion Rome, he has also been a guest professor at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem. He has extensive experience in the area of interreligious dialogue.