The Gospel for the day is from St. Luke 7:11-17. This selection is one example of our Lord's compassionate work- the restoration to life of the son of a widow from the village of Nain. Certainly, the death of a young person can cause a strong emotional response. However, in this case, let us notice that Christ's compassion is more focused on the woman. Her situation is especially desperate. The young man is her only son, and she is already a widow. In first-century society, the loss of her son means that she is being left alone and without livelihood or protection. Thus, in compassion, our Lord uses His divine power to raise the young man and restore him to his mother.
We should also notice the crowd's reaction to this miracle. They are fearful when they see the divine power at work through Jesus, and they glorify God for the work of Christ. Thus, Christ's compassion is important in itself, but it also points beyond itself to the power and rule of God. In Jesus of Nazareth, the kingdom of God comes into the world in powerful new ways. The presence of God in Jesus Christ calls for awe and praise.
On this Sunday then, as we notice the mercy and compassion of God for His people, let us also notice that God's work in Christ calls for appropriate responses. The divine work of Jesus Christ should lead us to awe, to praise, and ultimately to faith and gratitude.
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