HOMILY FOR TUESDAY OF THE 24TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME CYCLE II
THEME: JESUS OUR LIFEGIVER.
BY: Fr. Karabari Paul
HOMILY FOR TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 13 2022
“Lord saw her, he had compassion on her and said to her, “Do not weep.” And he came and touched the bier, and the bearers stood still. And he said, “Young man, I say to you, arise.” And the dead man sat up, and began to speak. And he gave him to his mother.”
The Gospel of today (Luke 7:11-17) presents the story of a widow from Nain whose only son died. There was nothing she could do than to cry bitterly. The death of her son was the death of her voice in her community. It was the death of her only source of hope, strength and protection. The story of the Wicked Judge (Luke 18:1-5) shows that widows were vulnerable in ancient Jewish society as they could be targeted by wicked people. In the absence of their husbands, their sons became their hope for protection.
Compassionate Jesus understood the helpless condition this widow. Although it would make him ceremonially unclean, Jesus moved to touch the coffin carrying the dead son of the widow and He who is life and source of life restored him to life. This restored the place and the joy of the widow in the family and society.
Certain conditions in life make us feel just like this poor widow from Nain because similar to death these issues are beyond our control with devastating effects. However, this miracle is a demonstration that which makes us cry is never beyond the power of Jesus.
It would be ridiculous for a man to tell a widow who had lost her only family left not to weep. But this was beyond consolation. It was an assurance that the cessation of sorrow will bring joy; He was going to replace her pain with joy. Today, this assurance is found everywhere in the Holy Book. The assurances of men are empty but God can never lie.
Right now maybe you are going through a very difficult time in life and actually doubting the presence of God and His love. Your marriage, career, job, business, happiness may be dead. Your only source of strength may be dead. All you need is a touch of the Lifegiver. Nobody knew that He was visiting Nain that day and “when the Lord delivered Zion it seemed like a dream.” Psalm 46:1 says this about God. “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” People of Nain shouted, “God has come to help His people.” You will also be a witness to the glorious things. GOD IS STILL ON THE THRONE. May God revive us, restore us, and give us life through Christ Our Lord Amen. Good morning
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