FIRST READING
1 Corinthians 12:12-14, 27-31a
Brothers and sisters:
As a body is one though it has many parts, and all the parts of the body, though many, are one body, so also Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one Body, whether Jews or Greeks, slaves or free persons, and we were all given to drink of one Spirit.
Now the body is not a single part, but many.
Now you are Christ’s Body, and individually parts of it. Some people God has designated in the Church to be, first, Apostles; second, prophets; third, teachers; then, mighty deeds; then gifts of healing, assistance, administration, and varieties of tongues. Are all Apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work mighty deeds? Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? Strive eagerly for the greatest spiritual gifts.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 100:1b-2, 3, 4, 5
R. (3) We are his people: the sheep of his flock.
Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands; serve the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful song.
R. We are his people: the sheep of his flock.
Know that the LORD is God; he made us, his we are; his people, the flock he tends.
R. We are his people: the sheep of his flock.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving, his courts with praise; Give thanks to him; bless his name.
R. We are his people: the sheep of his flock.
For he is good, the LORD, whose kindness endures forever, and his faithfulness, to all generations.
R. We are his people: the sheep of his flock.
ALLELUIA
Luke 7:16
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
A great prophet has arisen in our midst and God has visited his people.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GOSPEL
Luke 7:11-17
Jesus journeyed to a city called Nain, and his disciples and a large crowd accompanied him. As he drew near to the gate of the city, a man who had died was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. A large crowd from the city was with her. When the Lord saw her, he was moved with pity for her and said to her, “Do not weep.” He stepped forward and touched the coffin; at this the bearers halted, and he said, “Young man, I tell you, arise!” The dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother. Fear seized them all, and they glorified God, exclaiming, “A great prophet has arisen in our midst,” and “God has visited his people.” This report about him spread through the whole of Judea and in all the surrounding region.
REFLECTIONS:
How do you respond to the misfortunes of others?
In a number of places the gospel records that Jesus was "moved to the depths
of his heart" when he met with individuals and with groups of people. The
English word "compassion" doesn't fully convey the deeper meaning of the
original Hebrew word which expresses heart-felt "sympathy" and personal
identification with the suffering person's grief and physical condition.
Why was Jesus so moved on this occasion when he met a widow and a crowded
funeral procession on their way to the cemetery? Jesus not only grieved
the untimely death of a young man, but he showed the depth of his concern
for the woman who lost not only her husband, but here only child as well.
The scriptures make clear that God takes no pleasure in the death of
anyone (see Ezekiel 33:11); he desires life, not death. Jesus not only
had heart-felt compassion for the widow who lost her only son, he also
had extraordinary supernatural power the ability to restore life and
to make whole again. Jesus, however, as an observant Jew incurred grave
risk by approaching the bier, since the Jews understood that contact with
a dead body made oneself ritually impure. His physical touch, however,
not only restored life but brought freedom and wholeness to soul as well
as body. This miracle took place near the spot where the prophet Elisha
raised another mother's son back to life again (see 2 Kings 4:18-37). Jesus
claimed as his own one whom death had seized as its prey. By his word of
power he restored life for a lad marked for death. Jesus is Lord not only
of the living but of the dead as well. Jesus triumphed over the grave and
he promises that because he lives (and will never die again), we also shall
have abundant life with and in him both now and forever (John 14:19). Do
you trust in the Lord Jesus to give you abundant life and everlasting hope
in the face of life's trials, misfortunes, and moments of despair?
"Lord Jesus, your presence brings life and restores us to wholeness
of mind, body, and spirit. Speak your word to me and give me renewed hope,
strength and courage to follow you in all things and to eagerly serve others
with a glad and generous heart."
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