I OWE these reflections in large measure to Rahner's 'Theological Investigations' and to Ratzinger's 'Jesus of Nazareth: Holy Week.'

There is, in all of us, a desire for a definitive, lasting state of existence — fulfillment. Often, we use the image of 'eternal life,' — which is certainly to be distinguished from an indefinite prolongation of our present existence, which would be a dreadful form of condemnation. We are terrified by the prospect of annihilation — simply passing out of existence. There is something in us that yearns for completion-wholeness-fulfillment. That is to say, there is something in us that longs for Resurrection.