The tombs broke open and the bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life

[Emilyfromohio]

I have a pretty basic question. Pardon my ignorance but I thought that we would all resurrect at the Last Judgment. So why does the bible say

"The tombs broke open and the bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life.

Do the tombs just represent the fact that they were not yet in heaven untill Jesus died? Or should we take this sentence literally?

 

[slyOne]

I have a pretty basic question. Pardon my ignorance but I thought that we would all resurrect at the Last Judgment. So why does the bible say

"The tombs broke open and the bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life.

Do the tombs just represent the fact that they were not yet in heaven untill Jesus died? Or should we take this sentence literally?

I believe your both of your proposals are correct in different senses. This passage is usually interpreted as referring to the partition of Hell known as the limbo of the fathers. Since the resurrection of Christ was necessary for the salvation, upon this same event those who chose to follow God during the three days preceding did were able to enter heaven.

Jesus constantly refers to life with Him, eating His bread, as partaking of eternal life. The souls in this limbo of the fathers were dead, but the Lord’s sacrifice permitted them to enter into eternal life. So they were in fact raised from limbo (death) to heaven (life). Both of your propositions accurately describe what is going on.

As for the resurrection of the body, this is a different event that occurs at the Judgement during the last days. However, it is Church teaching that those saved still enjoy the beautific vision. So it seems like your question self contained the answer, if that makes sense?