Naim –
little town in the Galilee – near Mt. Tabor – 14 miles from Nazareth.
Two
processions – one going out – one coming in.
One going
out - to the cemetery. It serves as an announcement – a young man has died,
most likely that day. Incredibly sad
moment – we find it very difficult when child passes before parent.
People stop
what they are doing and join in. Not always the case today. Often too busy to
go to a wake, funeral Mass or cemetery.
Sometimes families too busy to do this for someone who has died.
Another
procession coming in – Jesus and his followers. He does not know this family,
but he stops and looks! He sees her. A
woman suffering. Imagine if his head was
buried in his cell phone? He pays attention.
He finds out
that this is the only son of a widow. He immediately understood. Now, she is in
deep trouble. No means of support left. No pensions, no social security. She is alone.
Jesus is
moved with compassion - com – passion suffer with. Another
word: Pity. He feels for her This is something that comes from the
heart. A spirit of compassion – he cares
about people.
Interesting –
no one asks him to do anything. I think
we made our parents very happy when we did things without being told. You see something – you do something. Now: we may not be able to raise someone from the
dead – but – we can listen, we can phone, we can pray, we can help,
When the “Lord”
saw her – first time called Lord in Luke – title for after Resurrection – he said
“Do Not Weep.”
Then he
touches basket, the bier – immediately becomes unclean – he is not concerned
with his own status – he is concerned for her.
Says – Young
man, I tell you arise - first defeat
of death in Luke. At the heart of the Gospel is Resurrection – from death to
life! Believe in the power of the
Resurrection!
Fear – Fear of
the Lord – they know who is there!
Another town
= Hopewell Junction – procession going out, procession going in. Is anyone
paying attention? Does anyone see? Does someone have the courage to do something?
– bring light to darkness? – that leads to Resurrection!
