Opening Prayer

Lord, grant that I may see you more clearly,
love you more dearly, and follow you more nearly,
day by day.

Scripture

Luke 7:11-17

Soon afterward he 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 was moved with compassion for her and said to her, “Do not cry.” Then he came forward and touched the bier, and the bearers stopped. 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 visited his people!” This word about him spread throughout the whole of Judea and all the surrounding region.

Reflection

Jesus’ response to the widow who lost her only son demonstrates His deep compassion and willingness to intervene in moments of profound grief. By raising her son from the dead, Jesus not only restores the young man’s life but also provides hope and support to the bereaved mother. This act inspires us to respond with empathy and compassion to those who are suffering around us, understanding that our actions, no matter how small, can bring comfort and hope to those in need.

The story of the widow’s son being brought back to life by Jesus serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of faith and the promise of resurrection. The people’s reaction, glorifying God and recognising Jesus as a great prophet, underscores the impact of witnessing God’s work in our lives. This encourages us to hold steadfast in our faith, trusting in God’s power to bring new life and possibilities even in the most hopeless situations, and to share this faith with others, spreading hope and inspiration.

Contemplation

I take a few moments to imagine the scene from the Gospel story I just read. I let the words come alive in my heart. I visualise the event as if I was there and part of the story. I pay attention to all the details, the sights, the sounds, the tastes, the smells, and the feelings of the event. I imagine myself as one of the characters in the scene or as myself present in the story. What message does Jesus have for me? How is God speaking to me personally through this story? I open my heart to the prompting of the Holy Spirit.

Thanksgiving

I ask God, the Father, to give me an intimate knowledge of the many gifts I have received,
so that filled with gratitude for all, I may in all things love and serve the Divine Majesty.

Fellow Pilgrims

O God… teach me to be content with Your grace that comes to me in darkness and that works things I cannot see. Teach me to be happy that I can depend on You.

– Thomas Merton

Closing Prayer

Christ with me,
Christ before me,
Christ behind me,
Christ in me,
Christ beneath me,
Christ above me,
Christ on my right,
Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down,
Christ when I sit down,
Christ when I arise,
Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.

Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!
Amen.