September 16, 2014 Memorial of Saints Cornelius, Pope, and Cyprian, Bishop, Martyrs Audio Readings: ccc.usccb.org/cccradio/NABPodcasts/14_09_16.mp3 Reading 1 1 COR 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 PS 10:1B-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. Gospel LK 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. Meditation: 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. Our modern use of the word compassion doesnt fully convey the deeper meaning of the original Hebrew word which expresses heart-felt sympathy and personal identification with the suffering persons 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 her only child as well. The only secure means of welfare in biblical times was ones family. This woman had lost not only her loved ones, but her future security and livelihood as well. Jesus is lord of the living and the dead 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 a person whole again. Jesus, however, did something which must have shocked the sensibilities of the widow and her friends. Jesus approached the bier to make physical contact with the dead man. The Jews understood that contact with a dead body made oneself ritually unclean or impure. Jesus physical touch and personal identification with the widows loss of her only son not only showed the depths of his love and concern for her, but pointed to his desire to free everyone from the power of sin and moral corruption, and even death itself. Jesus simple word of command - Young man, arise - not only restored him to physical life, but brought freedom and wholeness to his soul as well as his body. The Lord Jesus has power to restore us to wholeness of life - now and forever This miracle took place near the spot where the prophet Elisha raised another mothers 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. When Jesus died on the cross for our sins he also triumphed over the grave when he rose again on the third day, just as he had promised his disciples. Jesus promises everyone who believes in him, 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 lifes trials, misfortunes, and moments of despair? Lord Jesus, your healing 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 the midst of lifes sorrows and joys. Video Reflection: bcove.me/gmn6sheb
Posted on: Mon, 15 Sep 2014 18:04:36 +0000
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