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Commentary on the Gospel for September 17, 2024
Dear friends,
The Widow of Nain: This passage, found only in Luke, expresses the deep sorrow and anguish of a widowed mother who has lost her only son. Jesus reacts with compassion («When he saw her, his heart was filled with pity»). But it’s a compassion that leads to action: «Don’t cry,» he said, and then he touched the coffin, saying, «Young man, I say to you, get up!» And he gave him back to his mother.
This isn’t a sentimental kind of pity; it’s a compassion full of humanity and kindness, born from a heart overflowing with love for others and seeking their well-being in every way possible. The Pope says, «Mercy is a journey that starts in the heart and leads to the hands, to the works of mercy.»
How often do we read in the Gospels that Jesus has compassion on those who suffer and brings them relief through His words, actions, and miracles! Jesus is the perfect model of compassion because no one else has ever understood and responded to the pain and suffering of others like He did. That’s why the people’s reaction to this miracle is spot on: «A great prophet has appeared among us; God has come to help his people.»
Jesus’ compassion is our SALVATION today. That’s why the Risen Jesus continues to comfort those who suffer and raise the dead. He does this through His powerful Word and His Sacraments of grace. God has destined us for life, and Christ Jesus wants to continually share His life with us. Isn’t the sacrament of Reconciliation the present-day application of Jesus’ words, «Young man, I say to you, get up!»? Isn’t the Anointing of the Sick Christ Jesus drawing near to those who suffer, offering them relief and the strength of His Spirit? Isn’t the Eucharist, where we receive His Body and Blood, a guarantee of resurrection, as He promised us: «Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day»?
The passage about the raising of the widow’s son in Nain challenges us as well. If Jesus is infinitely compassionate toward us, we can’t remain indifferent to the pain and suffering of others. We must act towards them as Jesus did. When we encounter people who are suffering – because they’re lonely, sick, or in some way dead, and haven’t had a good break in life – what’s our reaction? Do we pass them by like those who ignored the man beaten by robbers, or do we act like the Good Samaritan who helped him? That was a parable Jesus told. Today’s story isn’t a parable: it’s His actual response to a real situation.
If we act like Jesus in the face of others’ pain, drawing near, offering comfort, and sharing hope, especially with young people («Young man, get up!»), then we too become «salvation for others,» and the same reaction can be heard: «Surely God has come to help his people.» Charity makes us visible signs of Jesus because it’s the best language of the Gospel, the language everyone understands.
Your brother in faith,