In our creeds we profess belief in “the resurrection of the body,” not immortality of the soul. Bodies are important for Christians. That is why we run food pantries, hospitals, clothes banks — not as social work but as a spiritual activity honoring the dignity each individual possesses as an embodied person. On the feast of the Assumption of Mary we celebrate that it was her body which was glorified. St. Paul writes: Just as in Adam all die, so too in Christ shall all be brought to life, but each one in proper order. Mary who was the first disciple is, “in proper order,” thus the first to share with Jesus life as a risen body. Let us embody in our person our eternal worth.
