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Objection 1: It would seem that the resurrection will not be at
night-time. For the resurrection will not be "till the heavens be
broken" (Job 14:12). Now when the heavenly movement ceases,
which is signified by its breaking, there will be no time, neither
night nor day. Therefore the resurrection will not be at night-time.
Objection 2: Further, the end of a thing ought to be most perfect.
Now the end of time will be then: wherefore it is said (Apoc.
10:6) that "time shall be no longer." Therefore time ought to
be then in its most perfect disposition and consequently it should be
the daytime.
Objection 3: Further, the time should be such as to be adapted to
what is done therein: wherefore (Jn. 13:30) the night is
mentioned as being the time when Judas went out from the fellowship of
the light. Now, all things that are hidden at the present time will
then be made most manifest, because when the Lord shall come He
"will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make
manifest the counsels of the hearts" (1 Cor. 4:5). Therefore
it ought to be during the day.
On the contrary, Christ's resurrection is the exemplar of ours.
Now Christ's resurrection was at night, as Gregory says in a homily
for Easter (xxi in Evang.). Therefore our resurrection will also
be at night-time.
Further, the coming of our Lord is compared to the coming of a thief
into the house (Lk. 12:39,40). But the thief comes to the
house at night-time. Therefore our Lord will also come in the
night. Now, when He comes the resurrection will take place, as
stated above (Question 76, Article 2). Therefore the
resurrection will be at night-time.
I answer that, The exact time and hour at which the resurrection will
be cannot be known for certain, as stated in the text (Sent. iv,
D, 43). Nevertheless some assert with sufficient probability that
it will be towards the twilight, the moon being in the east and the sun
in the west; because the sun and moon are believed to have been created
in these positions, and thus their revolutions will be altogether
completed by their return to the same point. Wherefore it is said that
Christ arose at such an hour.
Reply to Objection 1: When the resurrection occurs, it will not be
time but the end of time; because at the very instant that the heavens
will cease to move the dead will rise again. Nevertheless the stars
will be in the same position as they occupy now at any fixed hour: and
accordingly it is said that the resurrection will be at this or that
hour.
Reply to Objection 2: The most perfect disposition of time is said
to be midday, on account of the light given by the sun. But then the
city of God will need neither sun nor moon, because the glory of God
will enlighten it (Apoc. 22:5). Wherefore in this respect it
matters not whether the resurrection be in the day or in the night.
Reply to Objection 3: That time should be adapted to manifestation
as regards the things that will happen then, and to secrecy as regards
the fixing of the time. Hence either may happen fittingly, namely
that the resurrection be in the day or in the night.
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