The mother of the dead man was literally all alone. She was widowed, and this was her only son. Here we have a combination of sudden, tragic events in the pattern of Job. Is there any hope under these dreadful circumstances?
Yes! Jesus has conquered death; He is the Resurrection and the Life (Jn 11:25). He is "moved with pity" and says: "Do not cry" (Lk 7:13). Jesus will either raise the dead to continue life on earth, or better, raise the dead to the perfect happiness of His presence in heaven. Jesus will either say: "Young man, I bid you get up" (Lk 7:14), or "This day you will be with Me in paradise" (Lk 23:43). Only Jesus can wipe away our tears (see Rv 21:4). "He comforts us in all our afflictions" (2 Cor 1:4). He alone can make life worth living — and death worth dying. Nothing is impossible with Him (Lk 1:37). He can turn even tragic events to the good for those who love Him (Rm 8:28). Jesus our Life! Jesus our Hope! Jesus our Lord!
| PRAYER: | Jesus, give supernatural consolation to those who have suffered tragic deaths in their families. |
| PROMISE: | "They must hold fast to the divinely revealed faith with a clear conscience." –1 Tm 3:9 |
| PRAISE: | St. Januarius and his companions had to be martyred by beheading because the planned execution of mauling by beasts was averted when the wild animals in the arena wouldn't touch them. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College