Thomas Lima csc –
Readings: 1Cor 12:12-14,27-31; Lk 7:11-17
In the first reading Saint Paul uses the human body as a metaphor with all its members and functions, to describe Christ’s church. Each part of the human body is unique and significant. The foot may not be as gifted as the hand in handling things, but the foot is still part of the body. Each part of the body has an essential function. No one can do the function of the other. Similarly, the church can function only if all the members function as they are gifted to do. The church becomes handicapped if some members do not function. Each member needs to thank God for who he is and for his gifts. He needs to use his gifts with all diligence and fervency.
In the Gospel we see Jesus moved with compassion raised the dead son of a widow of Nain. Jesus was touched by the broken heart of the mother. He considered her and her son as the members of the universal family and reached out to themsharing his life-giving power. Like Jesus I must show genuine concern in the affairs of people around, and in my approach towards them I must show affection, empathy and compassion.
Today we pray that God be merciful to us and strengthen us in incarnating his compassionate love in our life situations.