THE GRIEVING WIDOW (LK 7:11-17)
Prayer:
Lord, in your compassion, give me life.
Imagination:
Picture Jesus standing with the widow by the funeral.
Context:
Luke regularly stresses Jesus’ compassion and care for women. Naim is located just 3 miles away from Nazareth with a cemetery that has been used for centuries. The story obviously looks forward to Jesus’ resurrection.
Gospel Text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud.)
When Jesus went to Naim with his disciples and a large crowd, he met a dead man being carried out, the only son of a widowed mother. A large crowd was with her.
When the Lord saw her, he was moved with pity and said to her, “Weep not”. Then he came near, touched the bier. Those carrying it stood still. He said, “Young man I say to you ‘arise’”. The dead man sat up and began to speak. Jesus gave him to his mother.
A fear came upon all and they glorified God saying, “A great prophet has arisen among us” and “God has visited his people”. This report spread throughout Judea and all the countryside.
Thoughts: (Read all. Ponder those that attract you.)
- Two large crowds meet. One is a crowd of death, on the way to a burial. The other is a crowd of life, on the way to Jesus’ resurrection.
- Jesus stops the burial procession in its tracks. It will go no farther.
- He is filled with pity. He sees in the widow a foreshadowing of his own mother’s sorrows.
- He would normally contract ritual impurity by touching a dead body. However, his power destroys death.
- Jesus says “arise”, a word he will say to billions on the day of Judgment.
- The results are clear. The young man speaks, totally restored.
- Jesus gains the victory and all rejoice in a young life restored.
- Faith spreads like wildfire. Jesus is the prophet and God has visited his people. How fortunate that Jesus was there at the right time.
Affections: (When one touches your heart, use your own words.)
- Jesus, without you I am filled with death. With you, I have fullness of life.
- Stop the forces of death in my heart and soul. Infuse your divine life.
- Your compassion is great, coming to me in my every need.
- Touch me, Jesus. Touch me and make me whole.
- When you say “Arise”, I come back to divine life.
- Win the victory, Lord, and we will all rejoice.
Resolutions: (Possibly you might want to make your own.)
+ I will bring my deadly sins to Jesus. He will remove them.
+ I will listen for Jesus’ word – “Arise”.
Thought for the Day: (To recall your meditation.)
To the widow, Jesus said “Weep not”. To her son, He said, “Arise”.