by Father David Daly, LC
Luke 7:11-17
Jesus went to a town called Nain, and his disciples and a large
crowd went with him. As he approached the gate of the town, a man
who had died was being carried out. He was his mother´s only son,
and she was a widow; and with her was a large crowd from the town.
When the Lord saw her, he had compassion for her and said to her,
"Do not weep." Then he came forward and touched the bier, and the
bearers stood still. And he said, "Young man, I say to you, rise!"
The dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his
mother. Fear seized all of them; and they glorified God, saying, "A
great prophet has risen among us!" and "God has looked favorably on
his people!" This word about him spread throughout Judea and all
the surrounding country.
Introductory Prayer: Lord Jesus, I come to you today to
participate in your resurrection! In this Valley of Tears, I need
you to give me life as you did to the widow of Nains son. Grant me
this grace today!
Petition: Lord, grant me the grace of a profound
hope in you.
1. The Widow of Nain. The widow may have caused
Jesus to think of his own mother, Mary, and the trauma that she
would experience at his death. Jesus showed compassion to this
widow, the mother of an only son, just as he would later show his
own mother when he visited her after his resurrection from the
dead. This scene is an invitation to contemplate Christs
compassion.
2. Do Not Weep. Jesus consoles the widow of Nain
with these words. So too he wants to console and encourage us in
our daily lives. How many times we need to hear him! How often we
weep, complaining and despairing over so many little problems of
each day! Imagine what would it be like if we listened to Jesus in
these moments and lived our cross united to him. He invites us to
do just that.
3. I Say to You, Rise. What magnificent words!
As St Peter once said to Jesus: You have the words of eternal
life. Jesus rises from the dead in the Gospel and he wants to do
the same in my life today. Apply these words to yourself and
remember Christs power. With him you can do all things!
Dialogue with Christ: Lord Jesus, I thank you for this
time of prayer. I commit myself to you more firmly today. Help me
to accept the cross with faith so that I can join in your
resurrection. I believe that you will increase my hope in you
today.
Resolution: I resolve to remember these words of
Christ today in the face of the great or small difficulties that
arise.