Those moments when we have a visit from God

I love the story that is told in today’s gospel from Luke 7:11-17 about the widow whose only son had died and how Jesus met her unexpectedly as they were taking the body to be buried. Jesus was approaching the town of Nain with his disciples and a great number of people. He was probably teaching them along the way. As they approached the gate, they encountered a funeral procession which was also made up of a considerable number of people. Suddenly the storyteller zooms in on Jesus as he goes up to the women. Everyone else disappears into the background and there is this simple dialogue. All Jesus says to the woman is “Do not cry” because, as the writer says, “he felt sorry for her”. Next he goes and puts his hands on the coffin and the bearers stop. Jesus then says, “Young man, I tell you get up.” There’s no lead-up or preparation for this scene. And the young man sat up and began to speak. We don’t know what he says. But the storyteller tells us that Jesus “gave him to his mother.” Powerful and moving. The camera zooms back to the crowd who are all amazed and praising God for this wonderful miracle. “A great prophet has appeared among us; God has visited his people.” This is a visit from God! This is for all of us. Let the simple moments in your life, when miracles occurred simply because you showed compassion, be experiences when you have had a sense that God visited you and your companions or those who were there to witness the remarkable event. I am sure you have had those moments when you were able to comfort someone who was grieving the loss of a loved one. There were probably very few words spoken and a simple gesture or hug was sufficient. Give thanks to God for those moments and memories when God visited you because you took the time to show compassion and love.