19 September, 2023 | Tuesday of the Twenty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time

 Gospel Lk 7:11-17

Jesus journeyed to a city called Nain,

and his disciples and a large crowd accompanied him.

As he drew near to the gate of the city,

a man who had died was being carried out,

the only son of his mother, and she was a widow.

A large crowd from the city was with her.

When the Lord saw her,

he was moved with pity for her and said to her,

“Do not weep.”

He stepped forward and touched the coffin;

at this the bearers halted,

and he said, “Young man, I tell you, arise!”

The dead man sat up and began to speak,

and Jesus gave him to his mother.

Fear seized them all, and they glorified God, exclaiming,

“A great prophet has arisen in our midst,”

and “God has visited his people.”

This report about him spread through the whole of Judea

and in all the surrounding region.

Reflections

When the people witnessed the widow's son being raised to life, they were utterly overwhelmed and filled with awe. They said: “A great prophet has arisen among us!” and “God has visited his people!” Jesus revealed God as the one who transforms death into new life and restores broken relationships affected by death.  In our lives too, there are moments of overwhelming experiences where God intervenes, miraculously saving us from dangers or surprising us with unexpected blessings. These divine interventions serve to reaffirm the existence of God and strengthen our faith, leaving us with an increased sense of spiritual connection and trust. As Jesus had compassion on the widow, the Lord also calls us to become channels of his compassion, extending it to one another in times of need. 

Activity: 

 Extend a helping hand to someone who is undergoing suffering.