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.
Lectio (Reading)
Read the passage twice and get a sense of what it is saying. Pay attention to what strikes you.Meditatio (Reflecting)
Slowly read the passage again, pausing on words or phrases that stands out. Take time to consider the meaning. particularly in your life.When the Lord saw her, he was moved with pity for her and said to her, “Do not weep.”
Oratio (Responding)
Read the passage again, slowly. Consider how God has spoken to you and respond back to Him. You may want to consider how this passage is asking you to act differently.Today’s gospel is another example of Jesus showing His power over death. It is a reading that does not get proclaimed very often, I think only during the daily mass in the Fall. What I find unique and interesting about this reading is that no one asked Jesus to do it. In all of the other Healings that He performed, He was asked to do it. And it was the faith of the one requesting the healing that moved Jesus to act, and the reason that they were helped.
In this case no one asked Him, but He acted in mercy and pity for this woman because she was in despair. The reading tells us that she was already a widow Before her son died, and with no other sons, she would literally have no one to watchover her, and provide for her. She would soon be homeless, and penniless, and utterly alone. Jesus was compassionate to her because of her needs and her state in life, not her faith, or any other reason.
Normally healing from God requires a move toward Him, with an act of faith. And Jesus responds to that act with grace. This is the only situation that I can think of where He acts without such an exchange happening first. I think that this moment beautifully shows the true heart of God. That He truly loves us, and that He wants us to be happy in our lives. But imagine how much more will He give us if we simply ask from a place of faith. Let us humbly reflect on our faults, and to ask for God’s intercession today, and seek the healing that Jesus wants to give us.
Contemplatio (Contemplating)
Take time to simply remain in the presence of God.Resolutio (Resolving)
Make a resolution that will improve your life, your relationships, or your faith. Make it small and attainable, and do it.Oh lord, thank you for loving us so, and for willing the good for us. Please lord help me today to become worthy of your healing touch, amen.