24TH TUESDAY IN ORDINARY TIME - Gospel (Luke 7:11-17) - The Word of God for Everyone

24TH TUESDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR C 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. The Gospel of the Lord: Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ. The Word of God for Everyone Dear People of God, The Word of God in today's Gospel, God reveals to humanity His great power and immense mercy towards all creatures, especially humankind. It is precisely because of God’s profound mercy that He sees and feels the suffering of mankind. When people face the depths of sorrow, He never abandons them. As in the image of the widow in the Gospel, she had an only son, and death had taken his life away. Nothing is more sorrowful than losing the one you love—the one she considered most precious in her life. In the face of the widow’s suffering, God manifested His power and mercy by bringing her dead son back to life. Through this, God wishes to make known to all nations: He has absolute authority over human life. Whoever desires life must come to God, for no one in this world has the power to raise the dead to life as God does. This very power to raise the dead caused the people to fear and glorify God, proclaiming that Jesus is a great prophet who has appeared in the world, and that God has visited His people. For until now, no one had ever possessed the power to bring the dead back to life as He has. For this reason, the people acclaimed Him as King, as God who came into the world to redeem mankind. Thus, the Word of God today calls humanity that whoever desires eternal life must come to God, be reconciled to Him, and live according to His teachings. Do not give in to the temptations of the world, and you will obtain eternal happiness in the Kingdom of God. Thanks be to God. Amen.