July 20, 1969 is a significant date for America because it it was the first time that we sent someone from earth to the moon.  Imagine the great joy throughout the country and throughout the world when the mission was a success.  It is estimated 500 million people watched it on television when Neil Armstrong became the first person to step foot on the moon.  And his words echoed throughout the years: "that's one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind."

While we were putting much effort in sending someone from Earth to the moon, in heaven, God was focused on sending someone from heaven to earth.  From the very beginning, God wanted to save the world.  In the proper time, God did something quite miraculous.  God sent His only Beloved Son.  

The Beloved Disciple, St John says: "For God so loved the world that he sent his only begotten son so that all who believe in him may not perish but may have eternal life."  John 3:16

Every Christmas, we recall this sacred mystery, or God's successful mission.  Almighty God did not just send a prophet to guide the people in morality and justice.  God did not just sent one of his angels or messengers to communicate the divine plan.  God did not just communicate through various astronomical signs.  God did something "out of this world".   God sends His only Son. 

But the manner or the way it was done is so mind boggling.  If you're like me, the closest comparison is to the comic book character Superman.  Superman was from another planet; not from Earth.  He had super powers beyond any human person.  His physical makeup allowed him to defy the laws of gravity.  But when Superman went face-to-face with the enemy, he is forced to do physical battle.  (I personally enjoy those many amazing graphics effects during those battle scenes).

God's only son came to earth not from another planet but from heaven.  He also defy many laws of gravity, and earth's physical laws.  He could walk on water.  He could multiply 5 loaves and 2 fish to feed a group of 5000.  (He would be a great caterer).  He was quite the healer.  With the touch of his hands and spoken words, the blind could see, the deaf could hear, the mute could speak, the crippled could walk, those who were possessed and troubled let go of their personal demons.  And get this, those who died, they are alive again.  When is the last time you saw someone who have died for about a week (4 days) , and then they are alive again.  It is hard to imagine, and believe but it did really happen according to the 4 Books of the Gospels.  

If that is hard to believe, get this, he was crucified and buried.  After three days in the tomb, a woman named Mary from Magdala went to the tomb early in the morning.  She discovered that it was empty.  She ran and told the other people about what had happened.  They confirmed what Mary saw.  One important detail that can be overlooked is that the burial clothes were still there.  Mary's first reaction is a natural one: someone must have stolen the body.  But not for Petrer and the Beloved Disciple.  The burial clothes left behind was an indication that something else other than theft had occurred.  What Jesus said was true after all.  He is alive.  

What does this mean for us, mortal creatures?  To put it simply, Jesus gave us an alternate ending for human life.  Human life concludes at the grave.  Before Jesus, it was uncertain what would happen after the last breath.  God confirmed it through His Son, the one who has risen.

St Paul contributes a hopeful and spiritual insight.  He says to the Romans in a Pastoral Letter about the resurrection of Jesus.  Like Christ, we too shall also have a Third Day.  

Some once asked me: “if God is love, why does God allow people to die?"  A good insight is that BECAUSE God is love, God brings people to the heavenly home.  Can you imagine what it would be like to live here forever.  Imagine living forever with old age, failing health, and brittle bones.  Furthermore, with resentment, bitterness and unforgiveness in our hearts. 

Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI once said that death is not to be seen as a punishment but a remedy.  In the proper time, God administers the final healing, a place of rest and refuge.  

So what is our task and responsibility.  If I may tie it back to the important date of July 20, 1969.  We have been entrusted with an important spiritual mission from Christ.  We are sending people not to the moon, but somewhere much farther.  We are preparing one another for heaven.  

Many Blessings!