Readings: 1 Corinthians 12:12-14,27-31, Ps. 100, Luke 7:11-17
“And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her and said to her, ‘Do not weep.’” (Luke 7:13)
A young man had died; he was the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. Jesus did not demand any expression of Faith from the woman. The look on her face was all Jesus needed to see before bringing her son back to life.
- What is striking about this encounter is that Jesus spoke to the dead man as one would speak to someone fully awake. Jesus did not raise his voice as he did in the case of Lazarus. Jesus did not drive away those who were mourning and wailing (those who lacked faith), as He did in the case of Jairus’ daughter. Jesus said: “Young man, I say to you, ‘Arise.’”
- Jesus restored the woman’s son because He knew how miserable life would be for her. She was a widow, and this was her only son. What Jesus did for this woman, he would later do for His Mother, Mary, on the Cross of Calvary. “When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple he loved standing near, he said to his mother, ‘Woman, behold, your son!’ Then he said to the disciple, ‘Behold, your mother!’ And from that hour, the disciple took her to his own home.” (John 19:26-27).
- How could the dead man hear and understand Jesus’ command? Could it be that the dead can hear us? Surely, there is more to reality than what meets the eye. The dead man heard Jesus because the dead, like the rest of us alive, are connected to and, indeed, part of the one Body of Christ. As St. Paul would say: “Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.” (1 Corinthians 12:27).
- Since we are all part of the one body of Christ, let us refrain from fighting ourselves. If death is not strong enough to prevent a person from hearing Christ, why are there divisions and quarrels among us? What unites us is more than what pulls us apart.
- Secondly, as members of one body, let us avoid envying one another. The human body has different parts, and so is the body of Christ. All these parts have specialised functions, and work together to keep us alive. We are not all Apostles, Prophets, Teachers, Musicians, etc. We are not equally gifted. Some can work miracles; others can speak in tongues, and others can interpret these tongues.
- Instead of fighting each other, let us learn to use our individual gifts for the benefit of all. It is a shame that fellow Christians fight and even take their cases to the court before unbelievers to judge. Can the eye fight the nose? If such happens, who is the real loser?
- Avoid people who take joy in seeing brothers fight. Such persons are instruments in the hands of the devil. If you must take sides, be on the side of peace, the side of God. St. Paul’s words were addressed to a Church torn apart by divisions; some were on the side of Apollos, and others on the side of Paul.
- Recently, I saw various write-ups and posts on social media showing heated exchanges between men of God regarding a certain Catholic brother who, because of his gifts, has now opened his own “Adoration Ground”, attracting huge crowds. Are there lessons we can learn from St. Paul’s instructions to the Corinthians? Can we refrain from worshipping human beings and focus only on God? Why should anyone call themselves a Zionist as opposed to Catholic? Is it not the same Jesus making the miracles happen?
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, increase our faith and teach us to love and accommodate others. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Tuesday of week 24 in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: 1 Corinthians 12:12-14, 27- 31, Ps. 100, Luke 7:11-17).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu
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