When we need spiritual help, we usually go to a priest. Maybe we attend Mass or go to Reconciliation. Have you ever had a priest call you up or knock at your door? Priests usually wait for people to come to them; they do not wander the neighborhoods looking for someone in need of God’s help.
Jesus, like our priests, usually waited for people to come to him for help. When news was out that he was in a certain place, people brought their sick friends and relatives to him, and they approached him for healing. There are a few cases, however, in the gospels in which Jesus sought out a person who needed him. We see such an incident today (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…When the Lord saw her, he was moved with pity for her and said to her, ‘Do not weep.’”
Jesus was led by the Holy Spirit to journey to an unusual place, Nain. Was he invited there by the local synagogue to preach? There is no mention that he did anything else while he was there other than help the distressed widow. This widow was so important to God, that he sent Jesus to her city just to raise her son from the dead.
Did Jesus know why the Father sent him to Nain, or did he go there without a clear idea of what his mission was to be? It was when he saw the funeral procession leaving the gate of the city that he knew his mission, because his heart was moved with pity. Jesus knew the predicament of a widow who was without a son. In that culture women did not earn money and so were unable to support themselves except for begging. And so, he followed the promptings of his heart and raised the young man from the dead.
“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.’”
The dead son was instantly restored to his grieving mother. A day that started out in gloom ended in pure joy. Imagine the excitement that erupted in this widow when she heard her son speak again.
We are expected to take the necessary steps to find Jesus and seek his help in our lives. He set up a Church so that he would be available to those who needed him. Sometimes, however, he acts outside the Church system. Sometimes, he journeys out of his way to seek out someone who needs him, as was the case in today’s gospel account.
Is it the job of the priests to walk the streets to seek out those who need the touch of Jesus? Or is it our job to follow the lead of the Holy Spirit and journey to places where lost people need Jesus? God’s work extends far beyond church boundaries. It is our mission to imitate Jesus and bring the saving power of God to suffering people.
