Jesus’ heart is moved with compassion when he encounters a widow whose only son has just died. It is usually the case that people plead with Jesus, especially for healing. In this case, it is not words but the mother’s tears that form her plea and Jesus responds. He is touched by her grief, moved … Continue reading “Life after Death”
Tag: Sandy Hook
Who or What Do We Cradle This Christmas?
Two life-giving women, Mary and Elizabeth, come together in this Sunday’s Gospel. They are cradling within and between themselves the power of life. They respond to each other from that power: “At the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy.” For Christmas to be a … Continue reading “Who or What Do We Cradle This Christmas?”
Resigned to Death or Committed to Life?
Resignation to death could have been a common malaise during Jesus’ era. Jesus lived in a time and place when the majority of people died young, their lives cut short. One such youth is a child of twelve deeply loved by her father Jairus. She is stricken and death lurks. But Jairus will not resign … Continue reading “Resigned to Death or Committed to Life?”
Fertility
Fertility is one meaning of the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. It is recognized in the sash tied across Mary’s waist indicating she is pregnant. Mary’s feast fits well as a celebration during the Advent season when we are all awaiting new life. The feast celebrates the pregnant Mary’s fruitful appearance to a poor … Continue reading “Fertility”