Burr Oak, and the Resurrection of the Body

As we’re writing this, the disturbing news of events at Burr Oak Cemetery still fills the media. It seems several cemetery workers decided to re-sell burial plots that were already filled, dumping the bodies into mass graves. Thousands of families have been affected. Some feel plagued by guilt that they didn’t visit sooner. Others are experiencing grief anew, especially the loss of link to family and past that their loved ones’ place of burial meant to them. The authorities are bewildered by the complications of the case, not knowing if the remains could ever be matched accurately to their descendants again.

In our lives and travels for human rights work, we have both experienced the horror of mass graves in areas of war around the world. Families are desperate for some indication that this is their loved one, as part of their ability to grieve.It is difficult to imagine how human beings could ever do something like this, and also difficult to imagine what could comfort families affected by such crimes. These events have also raised for us, and perhaps you too, some questions about the resurrection of the body.

For example, we recall Mary’s distress on Easter morning when Jesus’ body appeared to have been taken, and she begged the groundskeeper to tell her what he did with the body. However, Jesus himself was standing before her, resurrected in body as well as spirit. We remember also the valley of dry bones, when God resurrected the bodies right before Ezekiel’s eyes.

Christians the world over for the past two millennia recite the Apostle’s Creed, which declares our faith in not only Christ’s resurrection, but the resurrection of our own bodies. Paul writes powerfully in 1 Corinthians 15:35-44, ‘These bodies will die, but the bodies that are raised will live forever.’ Paul goes on to write that even our bodies which are broken and become ill during our earthly lives will be healed and made strong in the resurrection. We remember as we read this not only those who have died, but all in our congregation and community who are waiting for healing from many illnesses and injuries.

As Christians, we may be called to any number of healing roles to support those who suffer as described above. We may become medical workers, or we may be spiritual or psychological caregivers. Others are called to be investigators who discover the truth behind acts of violence and violation; and others hold accountable the perpetrators of these abuses. And all of us can extend to those who suffer a community of care and listening, even without specialized skills or knowing precisely what to do when another hurts.

Whether in terrible events, or terrible illnesses, we need not suffer alone. Even when our human skills to heal may not be enough, God promises us ultimate healing in the resurrection of our bodies and souls. We will be reunited with all we have lost in the community of heaven.

If you would like to visit more with us about these questions, please let us know. We would also like to recommend Mitch Albom’s book and movie, The Five People You Meet in Heaven. We viewed the movie recently and found it a beautiful dialogue on this topic.

Peace, Pastors Jorge y Le Anne Montes-Clausen