In our creeds we confess that we believe “in the resurrection of the body,” (not the immortality of the soul!) This credal belief flows from the resurrection of Jesus which we will follow in our turn. Today’s feast, the Assumption of Mary, attests that Mary was raised body and soul into heaven. (According to tradition this occurred three days after her death.) It shows that after Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. Mary became the second fruits, who leads the way in which we will follow. Belief in the resurrection of the body is not about chemicals and molecules but our thoughts, memories, history, and, most particularly, relationships. (Remember another credal statement in the “communion of saints.”) Our physical make up keeps changing over time but we are embodied by all those things which make us who we are and that leads (according to the creeds) to “everlasting life.”
