I Tell You, Arise
Brethren, 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" doesn't fully convey the deeper meaning of the original Hebrew word which expresses heart-felt "sympathy" if not "empathy" and personal identification with the suffering person's grief and physical condition. Today, we see the only miracle which Jesus performs without the response to anyone’s faith within the village. As Jesus was going to Nain (which means green pastures), he was moved with mercy and compassion because of the widow who had lost his only son and was being carried to the tomb for burial. This woman had nothing left with her because she had earlier lost a husband and now the only son. The only secure means of welfare in biblical times was one's family. This woman had lost not only her loved ones, but her future security and livelihood as well. Jesus having this in mind, his compassion made him help her son by bringing her back to life by mere words, "Young man, I tell you, arise!" Where do we want Jesus to raise us up? In our own sorrow or grief, we are reminded, "The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid. What can anyone do to me?” (Hebrews 13:6).
God moves and comes to us daily, do we receive him? Every word of Scripture tells us about God. In this passage, we read that Jesus journeyed, he drew near, he was moved, and he stepped forward. We see the same in the image of Divine Mercy revealed by Our Lord to St. Faustina. Jesus is walking toward us, scarred by wounds he suffered for us. He opens his heart pierced to us, ever flowing with mercy. In our pain, we often fall into a false belief that God does not see nor care that we are suffering. Let this story remind us that the opposite is true. God comes, pities, touches, restores and brings new life.
After moving towards us, he wants to raise us up. It can be tempting to read this passage and exclaim, “Jesus did not bring my loved one back to life.” But that is not true. When Jesus willingly laid down his life and took it up again through his Passion and Crucifixion, he defeated death for all time. And so whether we live or die we are for the Lord (Romans 14:8) and we have hope “that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28). Jesus opened Heaven, which had been closed due to the original sin of Adam and Eve. Jesus died so we could live. Our loved ones are very much alive.
The Catholic Church's Catechism is very clear: “Those who die in God’s grace and friendship and are perfectly purified live forever with Christ” (CCC 1023). “All who die in God’s grace and friendship, but still imperfectly purified, are indeed assured of their eternal salvation; but after death they undergo purification, so as to achieve the holiness necessary to enter the joy of Heaven” (1030). Because we cannot know if our loved ones have achieved Heaven or are being purified in Purgatory, we can pray for them and ask them to pray for us. In this exchange, we stay spiritually united until we can one day be completely reunited where there will be no more weeping because “He will wipe every tear from our eyes, and there shall be no more death or mourning, wailing or pain” (Revelation 21:4). Wiping this widow’s tears from her eyes by raising her son’s life and the joy that filled the crowd was just a prefiguration of how much happiness we will have, for us who trust in God, when we are perfectly united with him in heaven.
Reflect today on the words of Jesus, "Young man, I tell you, Arise". Where do you want our Lord to raise you up? What is it that you need to bring to our Lord? What is it that leaves you feeling dead and alone in your life? What suffering, sin, hurt, or frustration do you need to bring to our Lord? Listen to Jesus and let Him say to you, “I tell you, arise!” Arise from your sin, hurt, anger and pain. Let His words sink in and transform your life bringing what seems to be dead back to life.
Let us Pray.
Lord Jesus, I long and desire to hear your words “I tell you, arise!” every day. Your healing presence brings life and restores us to wholeness of mind, body, and spirit. Speak your word to me today and give me renewed hope, strength, and courage to follow you in the midst of life's sorrows and joys. Amen
Be blessed
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