Jesus raises a widow’s son Luke 7:11-17
Imaginative Contemplation
Enter into the scene
Imagine being near the gate of Naim. It is mid-morning, and the town is unusually crowded. Calls from the market nearby advertise fresh fruit and meat. Donkeys trundle by, causing people to scurry to right and left. To add to the confusion, a funeral procession is nearing the gate, bound for the cemetery outside the town. This is a sad situation. The dead man is the only son of a widow. How is she going to survive, with no bread-winners? The young man had been such a ball of energy, a great support to his mother and to his neighbours.
Just as the procession gets to the gate, another crowd is entering. This new crowd is boisterous and excited, with Jesus in the middle of them. Which crowd would give way to the other?
Jesus walks over to the widow, takes her hand and says gently, ‘Don’t cry. I’m here to help you.’ She is very surprised, but expectant, too. Jesus turns around, goes up to those carrying the coffin and puts his hand on it. The men stand still, confused. Who would have the audacity to interrupt a funeral procession. In a clear commanding voice, Jesus says, ‘Young man, get up, I tell you!’
AND THE MAN SITS UP! He begins to talk, and talk!!
Jesus takes him by the hand, leading him to his mother. ‘My son! My son! You never could stop talking!’ Tears of joy run down her face as she embraces her treasured son.
The bystanders are amazed, praising God and recognising Jesus as a great prophet among them.
For further reflection
Discuss with Jesus the following points:
· At the beginning of a day, we have no idea what might happen during the coming hours. Am I able to entrust the day to God, perhaps using the Morning Offering prayer?
· How attentive am I to the needs of those around me?
· How can I support people in their time of sorrow or need?
· ‘Get up, I tell you!’ Is Jesus saying this to me? What is he calling me to do today?
Prayer
Lord, help me to be open and responsive to your call to me today. Remind me to pray for the needs of the world and of my environment. Amen.