A DEAD MAN, THE ONLY SON AND HIS MOTHER A WIDOW

PRAYER MOMENT

Tuesday 17 September 2013

A DEAD MAN, THE ONLY SON AND HIS MOTHER A WIDOW

Pause. Take a moment and be still in the presence of God.

Reading. “When Jesus was near the gate of the city it happened that a dead man was being carried out for burial, the only son of his mother and she was a widow.” (Luke 7:11-17)

Reflection. Is this a news bite on the situation in Syria today? It could be, or it could be a scene anywhere in our country or any country. Suffering can get multiplied – a dead man … the only son ... a widow – it is a list of sorrows. How Jesus longs to do something for her! How he wants to reach out to everyone who is suffering. The gospels are descriptions of “signs”. Signs of the way God really wants to act, wants to heal and give life. Jesus’ dramatic act in raising the young man and “giving him back” to his mother is a sign. God cannot do this sort of thing all the time, interfering wherever there is sorrow. But he can heal and bring life ALL THE TIME

Prayer. Lord, teach us to draw closer to you when we too are visited by sorrow and trouble. Help us to see how your work through and in all things to lead us all to the Father. Amen