Raising of the widow’s son

Today's Reflections

Raising of the widow’s son 

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Lk 7:11-17

¹¹[Jesus] journeyed to a city called Nain, and his disciples and a

large crowd accompanied him. ¹²As 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. ¹³When the Lord saw her, he was moved with pity for her and said to her, “Do not weep.” ¹⁴He stepped forward and touched the coffin; at this the bearers halted, and he said, “Young man, I tell you, arise!” ¹⁵The dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother. ¹⁶Fear seized them all, and they glorified God, exclaiming, “A great prophet has arisen in our midst,” and “God has visited his people.” ¹⁷This report about him spread through the whole of Judea and in all the surrounding region.

Reflection:

She was a widow. In a patriarchal society, widows are usually helpless and powerless. In Hebrew Scriptures, they are categorized with aliens and orphans. Widows have no one to protect or support them in their needs.

The widow in the Gospel is considered practically dead, too. Without her only son, she has no means to provide for herself. But then she encounters the compassion of Jesus. He is moved with pity for her. Jesus sees the pain and grief of the widow. Jesus feels her sorrow and helplessness.

When he restores her only son to life, Jesus shows his love and concern, giving her back hope and new life. When Jesus gives the son to his mother, she receives her son and also her own life back. She is restored to her community because of Jesus’ act of compassion.

Have you ever helped someone out of the doldrums

by giving a hand, lending much needed cash,

providing a scholarship fund,

canceling debts, paying hospital bills,

or staying by the bedside of a sick person?