Gospel 

Luke 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.

Sermon

My brothers and sisters in Christ, today's Gospel passage presents us with a powerful story of Jesus' compassion and authority. As he enters the city of Nain, he encounters a funeral procession carrying the body of a young man, the only son of a widow. The scene is one of grief and despair.

But Jesus is moved with pity for the woman. He sees her pain and sorrow, and he acts. With a simple touch and a commanding word, he raises the young man from the dead.

This miracle is not just a demonstration of Jesus' power, but also a revelation of his compassion. He cares deeply for this widow and her son, and he acts to alleviate their suffering.

The crowd's response is telling. They are filled with fear and awe, recognizing that a great prophet has arisen among them. They proclaim that God has visited his people.

This story challenges us to reflect on our own understanding of God's nature. Do we see God as a distant figure, or as a loving Father who cares deeply for us? Do we recognize his power and authority, but also his compassion and mercy?

Jesus' actions in this story remind us that he is not just a teacher or a healer, but the very presence of God among us. He is the one who brings life and hope to those who are dying and despairing.

May we be inspired by Jesus' compassion and power to reach out to those around us who are suffering. May we proclaim the good news that God has visited his people, and that Jesus is the source of life and hope.

Prayer

Let us pray: + In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Almighty, merciful, and loving God, we come before you, moved by the story of Jesus' compassion and power in the city of Nain. We thank you for revealing your loving nature through Jesus' actions.

Help us to see you as a loving Father who cares deeply for us, rather than a distant figure. May we recognize your power and authority, but also your compassion and mercy.

We pray for those who are suffering and despairing, that they may experience your presence and comfort. May your compassion and empathy flow through us to those around us.

We ask for healing and restoration through Jesus' power, and for the ability to share the good news of his compassion and power with others.

May we proclaim with the crowd, "God has visited his people!" and may we live as witnesses to Jesus' life and hope.

Thank you for Jesus, the very presence of God among us. May his teaching and example inspire us to reach out to others with compassion and love.

In Jesus' most holy name we pray, Amen.

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you,

Rev. Fr. Jhimerson Maneclang,SCJ