Reflection for Tuesday September 16 Memorial of Saints Cornelius, Pope, and Cyprian, Bishop, Martyrs: Luke 7:11-17

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.

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Reflection:

Imagine the sorrow, loneliness, and deep sense of hopelessness felt by the widow whose son was about to be buried. Her husband had died, and now her only son—the last source of her comfort—was gone. Truly, loneliness and despair surrounded her like a very dark cloud. 

But then came an unexpected encounter with Jesus as He entered a town called Nain. When Jesus saw her, He approached her with compassion and said, “Do not weep” (Luke 7:13). And in that moment of divine mercy, He raised her dead son back to life. What was once grief and emptiness was suddenly transformed into joy, hope, and renewed life—because Jesus entered her life. 

Like this widow, we also go through seasons of loneliness, emptiness, and discouragement. There are times we feel as though no one cares about our struggles. Yet we must remember: Someone always cares. That Someone is none other than Jesus, who never abandons us. He is our faithful companion, our comfort, and our source of unshakable hope. 

So how do we overcome loneliness and despair? By seeking an encounter with Jesus—through the Holy Mass, through our daily prayers, and through immersing ourselves in His Word in the Holy Bible. Every encounter with Jesus breathes new life into our weary hearts and restores our joy. 

Do you allow Jesus to step into your story of sorrow, despair and hopelessness, just as He did with the widow of Nain? Will you welcome Him into your life today and let Him turn your emptiness into joy, your despair into hope, and your tears into gladness? — Marino J. Dasmarinas