Join Msgr. Don Fischer as he reads and delivers a short reflection on today’s gospel, followed by 3 1/2 minutes of contemplative music and a closing prayer. Msgr. Don hopes that today’s reflection on the gospel will empower you to carry the Word in your heart throughout the day.

Choose either the video or audio below.

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.

Reflection

When Jesus encounters this funeral procession, he is immediately moved to compassion for the mother. He knows that without a son she will be a beggar. And so as his heart goes out to her, he immediately heals the son and gives his son back to the mother. It's a beautiful image of Jesus giving his mother over to John. But most important in this,

it expresses in a very beautiful way the appreciation God had for her faith, in her understanding, allowing God to enter into her and to bring Jesus himself into life. Take this time to reflect on these thoughts. And now we'll close with a prayer.

Closing Prayer

Father, we often take for granted the people that have made sacrifices for us. Who have given us life and shown us the way. Give us always a deep appreciation, a gratitude for all those who have given us life. And we ask this in Jesus’ name, Amen.