Daily Gospel Reflection for June 5, 2016 - Tenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Today's Gospel: Luke 7, 11-17

Grieving family, unexpected loss, painful goodbyes - we’ve all witnessed a scene like this before. The Widow of Nain’s story starts off as a sad but all too relatable experience in this life. But then, history changes.

Jesus enters in and with a command of “Do not weep!” to the mourners and “Arise!” to the young man. The risen son and his amazed family and friends now had cause to glorify God and spread the good news of Christ. This miracle had a specific purpose in their lives as well as in the public ministry of Jesus.

And what about us today? Does Jesus still do miraculous deeds? Of course he does, sometimes even miracles as dramatic as this one. Even more important are the healings that take place in the souls of believers: that the old has passed away and the new has come. In this account of the Widow of Nain and her son, we see a glimpse of a story that is still to unfold in the Gospel.

A story of a grieving crowd and the death of a Mother’s only Son will take on new meaning through the lens of Jesus’ suffering, death, and resurrection. We rejoice with Christ, who has visited His people and made all things new in this life and the next.

Ponder:

Knowing Mary’s experience with loss and grief, how can you turn to the Mother of God for comfort and hope in times of brokenness, heartache, and uncertainty?

Pray:

Jesus, in your great mercy, you come and heal our hearts in times of deepest grief. Give us the strength to look past our present circumstances and challenges to see the promise of hope and redemption you offer.

Copyright 2016 Katie Bogner

Katie Bogner is a Catholic school teacher and Director of Religious Education, as well as a reader, crafter, daughter, sister, aunt, and Godmother. She loves driving with the windows down and the radio up. Visit Katie for lots of ideas, printables, and crafts for teaching Catholic kids of all ages at her blog Look to Him and Be Radiant.