1 Cor. 12:12-14,27-31 ·
Luke 7:11-17
In our first letter to the Corinthians, St. Paul touches on a theme of how the body works. A common theme in the ancient Mediterranean world. Order must be observed and respected for our future. We are the body of Christ and members of that body. We ALL count and make a difference and Jesus came to give us exactly this message.
The widow of Nain is a well-known story and the only story told in the four Gospels. In this story, as he encounters this funeral service and feels immediate sorrow for the widow who has lost her only son. He gives the risen son to his mother. This is one of Luke’s Gospel motifs, demonstrating the mercy and compassion of Jesus. This act heralds so much rejoicing in Israel as “God has visited his people.” A great prophet is with the people (chapter 7:16).
As I reflected on this Gospel, I couldn’t help but feel for Jesus, his compassion for people as he went around Galilee brought hope for the future of the Hebrew people. They were all well familiar with the stories of the expected Messiah, can you imagine the way news spread of his miracles and presence among them? Sadly, he desired to heal and teach the people that ended up getting Jesus crucified. Not for the first time, I am grateful for Jesus’ love of the people. What a lonely life he must have experienced. His desire to love, heal and show mercy to all those whom he met. Two Thousand years later his life and spirit still inspire us. May we be consoled by Holy Spirit in the sure hope of God’s presence among us. Amen.
Fr Joseph Osho
