| Deacon John Carter

God of the Living

“And he is not God of the dead, but of the living, for to him all are alive.” (Luke 20:38)

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In today’s Gospel, the Sadducees attempt to trap Jesus with a question designed to challenge the belief in the resurrection. They reduce the concept of life after death to earthly terms. Jesus, with great wisdom and love, reveals a deeper truth—life does not end with death. He reminds them, and us, that God is “not the God of the dead, but of the living.” Those who have gone before us, like Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, are still alive in God’s presence, embraced by His love.

Jesus calls us to lift our gaze beyond the fleeting concerns of this world and trust that there is so much more awaiting us. Our resurrection is not simply an extension of life on earth but a promise of something far more significant—a life where God’s love is fully realized, and we are in perfect, eternal communion with Him. This truth offers tremendous comfort, especially when we lose a loved one. Death is not the end but an entrance to something glorious and eternal, where joy and peace surpass anything we can imagine.

This hope in the resurrection isn’t just for the future; it transforms how we live in the present. It calls us to trust God’s promises more deeply and approach each day with faith and hope. As believers, let this promise shape our actions and relationships, knowing that our future is secure in the hands of the God of the living.

How can I live each day with deeper faith, knowing that God is the God of the living?

Lord, help me to trust in Your promise of eternal life and live each day with hope and faith in Your love. Amen.


Deacon John CarterDeacon John Carter was ordained in 2017. He serves at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle. At the Cathedral, he serves in the Adult Faith Formation ministry with his wife Dr. Charmaine Carter. They have 3 children. He also serves in the Cathedral’s Bereavement ministry.  As part of the Diaconate formation program, Deacon John obtained his Master of Theology from Saint Leo University. He is also an attorney and runs a law practice in St. Petersburg.