Today, we find ourselves journeying through the profound depths of Scripture, where the Apostle Paul and the Gospel writer Luke give us a window into the workings of the Body of Christ and the transformative power of Christ’s compassion in restoring the sanctity of life, also powerfully manifested in the miraculous raising of people from the dead throughout the gospels and also Church history.
In our reading, Paul once again addresses the early Christian community in Corinth—a city characterized by diversity, challenges, and societal divisions. The Corinthians were part of a growing, yet often contentious, church; they faced issues of division, immorality, and misunderstandings regarding spiritual gifts. Paul, therefore, writes to remind them of their unity in Christ. He employs the metaphor of the body—many parts functioning together as one—to illustrate how every believer, regardless of background, plays a vital role in the life of the Church. We really need to learn the lesson that as long as Christ is our central point of reference, the diversity in characters, temperaments, gifts and charisms, all contribute to the wonderful tapestry of a Church which has been sanctified by him and sent out on mission to the rest of the world. There is to be unity, without ever compromising the truth Jesus has asked us to safeguard. Unity within the Church hinges on a number of things, first and foremost on the thought process which we would call theology. Because, using Paul’s analogy of the body, if the head is messed up.. if the thoughts in our brains are jumbled, then the rest of the body will stagger. Hence, unity of thought is paramount. This is why Paul begins this letter to the Corinthians by saying: “I appeal to you, dear brothers and sisters, by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, to live in harmony with each other. Let there be no divisions in the church. Rather, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose” 1 Corinthians 1:10.
In our passage from the Gospel of Luke, we encounter a profound expression of God's compassion through Jesus. We meet a grieving widow from Nain, who is mourning the passing of her only son. In the backdrop of her despair, Jesus—a compassionate friend—sees her suffering and is moved by it. Remarkably, he approaches the funeral procession, touches the coffin, and commands the young man to rise. What strikes us here is not only the miraculous act of raising the dead but also the tenderness of Jesus towards the woman’s pain. He interrupts death with life, sorrow with joy—demonstrating the very core of his mission: to bring hope and restoration.
As we reflect on both readings, one might ask: How can we live out this call to be part of Christ's Body today? Firstly, we are invited to recognize and appreciate our individual gifts and the gifts of those around us, just as Paul instructed the Corinthians. Each of us has a unique role in nurturing our community and extending the compassion of Christ to the world outside, but again, we must first be humble.
Saints throughout Church history have so emulated their Lord who went before them and led the way, that through the power of Christ working in them, have even raised people from the dead like he did. For example, Saint Benedict of Nursia and St. Philip Neri are documented to have revived the deceased through their powerful intercession, showing us the power of Christ alive in them. Saint Vincent Ferrer is another example of a saint who would go on to be one of the most celebrated in the Church. Known for his eloquent oratory and fervent preaching, he traveled extensively across Europe, spreading the Christian faith and engaging in theological discussions during a tumultuous period marked by political and ecclesiastical turmoil.
One of the remarkable aspects of Saint Vincent Ferrer's life was the numerous reports of miracles attributed to him, including yes, the raising of the dead. These accounts often illustrate his deep faith and the power of God working through him. Many of his contemporaries and later followers reported that he had the ability to bring the deceased back to life, which contributed to his reputation as a powerful intercessor and miracle worker.
Today, as we address the sufferings around us—be it through our personal struggles, community hardships, or societal issues—let us remember the miracles that God can perform through us if, like the saints, we main humbly disposed to his will on a consistent level.
May we pray for the grace to recognize our gifts, to see the suffering around us, and to respond with the love that transforms and raises us to the fullness of life which our Lord reassured us he came to bring to anyone who would accept this wonderful gift. Amen
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