17 September, Tuesday — Jesus Touches Our Sorrow

Sep 17 – Memorial for St. Robert Bellarmine, Bishop and Doctor

St. Robert (1542-1621) wrote the most complete work of his day to defend Catholicism against Protestant attack. He also wrote a children’s catechism and a catechism for teachers. As cardinal-priest, he gave most of his money to the poor. At one point he used the tapestries in his living quarters to clothe the poor, saying that “the walls won’t catch cold”.

He was involved in settling various disputes, including that of King James I and the Vatican in 1607 and 1609, concerning control of the Church in England, action against Galileo Galilei with whom he established a friendly correspondence, but was forced to deliver the order for the scientist to submit to the Church, and issues concerning clerical discipline and Vatican authority. He was proclaimed a Doctor of the Church on 17 September 1931.

• Patron Saint Index

1 Cor 12:12-14,27-31
Lk 7:11-17

“Do not cry,” he said. Then he went up and put his hand on the bier...

Grief is a lonely feeling. When we experience a loss or tragedy, even the most heartfelt and well-meaning words from those who care for us can feel faraway and empty. That is not to say that no one cares… but sorrow is really a path one walks pretty much alone. However, we have Jesus who sees our pain and is not afraid to touch our sorrow.

In the gospel reading today, Jesus shows us that He is truly the one we can trust and go to when we come face-to-face with unspeakable sorrow. A woman who was a widow, was with a band of mourners, accompanying her only son who had died and was being carried out in a coffin. This scene comes in contrast to the large, excited crowd accompanying Jesus and his disciples who were headed to the city of Nain. He was filled with pity and moved with compassion for the widow whom he saw.

The woman had already lost her husband, and now, her son. In those days, women lived under the protection of their male kinsmen. Without her husband, she could only rely on her only son to take care of her. Yet, even he is now gone. She is not only all alone in life, but truly alone in her sorrow. Unless she had family to take her in, she would have to live alone or seek alms to get by. Even the band of mourners that were hired (as in those days) would soon be disbanded.

Jesus stopped. He said to her, “Do not cry.” It might seem an odd consolation to be told not to cry when clearly, she was in the throes of grief. So why would Jesus’ words be so? We must remember His divinity and that he was moved with pity for her. He was not stopping her from feeling sad — instead it was an invitation for her to suspend her consuming grief and to focus on Him and what He was about to show her and to do for her.

”He stepped forward and touched the coffin.” This is no mere gesture. In those days, high priests and religious elite would never touch the coffins as this would be considered ‘soiling’ their hands, which were for holy offerings. This act stopped the coffin-bearers in their tracks. The surrounding mourners and large group that had followed Jesus would surely have been shocked. He commanded “Young man, I tell you, arise!” And the dead man sat up and began to speak. This was unthinkable and amazing!

Next, we read that “Jesus gave him to his mother”. Imagine the tears of the mourning mother turning to tears of joy! As we reflect on this passage, let us absorb this moment… whereby Jesus touched the coffin, transformed the object of her grief, and then presented the sorrowful woman with the miracle he wrought.

This gospel passage consoles me greatly, as it shows that Jesus will not hesitate to reach out to touch the source, the core of my pain. And if I allow him to — like the widow did — if I trust him and not be consumed by my weeping, Jesus will, in his divine wisdom, turn this sorrow into joy. How wonderful a promise this is!

(Today’s OXYGEN by Debbie Loo)

Prayer: Whatever pain and challenges I may face Lord, help me to surrender it to you. To let you in and hold it for me. To trust that you can make all things right and turn my sorrow into joy.

Thanksgiving: Thank you, gracious Heavenly Father, for giving me hope time and again. For never letting me down even when I was too overwhelmed to ask for Your help.