Death and Resurrection

What if death were but the beginning of resurrection, as Karl Rahner says? What if death were but the release of our own individual spirits into this universe, particularly into the spirits of those who love us? What if our presence after death continued in this world "through closed doors," as Jesus appeared after His resurrection?

Death, then, would simply be another dimension of our earthly existence. If we have been "born again," re-created in the spirit and image of God, our released spirits would continue to re-construct this world in order and harmony. If we have not been born again in the spirit and image of God, then our released spirits would continue to pour our hatred, destruction, and negative energy into this world forever.

Paul says we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces which dominate the air---powers and dominions, in his words. But we know we are surrounded by a "great cloud of witnesses," souls washed clean in the blood of Christ, and that these souls (spirits) are a help to us in our earthly existence.

In life and in death, we keep company with those who are like us in spirit and in truth. Tomorrow is the Feast of All Saints, all those whose spirits are like God's and who have allowed themselves to be brought into the company of the holy ones. Tonight, the world "celebrates" those who still roam the earth seeking the ruin of souls.