Young man, I tell you, arise!” - Applicable to all

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Twenty Fourth Week : Tuesday*

*Gospel : Lk 7:11-17*

*First Reading : 1 Cor 12:12-14; 27-31a*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 100:1b-2, 3, 4, 5*

*“Young man, I tell you, arise!” - Applicable to all*

*1) The dead man of Nain*

In the Gospel of the day, we have a scene, where a dead man was being carried out of the city for a burial

On the way to the burial ground, the dead man was encountered by Jesus 

Jesus the author of Life, says to the dead man *“Young man, I tell you, arise!”*

The dead man came to life and new life was given to Him 

*2) Beyond Physical death*

The Gospel speaks about the physical death, from which Jesus raised this young man to life 

Beyond this physical death, we can also see several forms of death, which people experience while they are still living on this earth

The death of such things is more terrible than the physical death. 

Physical death is a natural phenomena, which no one can avoid. 

But the other forms of death is more dangerous, which can destroy our life and the life of those arround us 

*3) The various forms of death*

The death of humility

The death of simplicity

The death of sincerity

The death of morality 

The death of discipline

The death of Gospel values 

The death of love 

The death of sacrifice

The death of generosity

The death of goodwill

The death of unity 

The death of forgiveness

The death of wisdom 

The death of faithfulness

The death of truthfulness

The death of patience

The death of prayer life 

The death of spiritual life 

The death of devotion 

The death of obedience 

The death of Hope

The death of these things are more dangerous than the physical death of our being 

*4) Jesus says I tell you, arise!*

This particular phrase is applicable to all of us 

As mentioned above, we are dead in many things which are very important in our life 

Jesus who is giving us special power to arise from our death, in order to have new life 

Unless we arise, we will be buried and life becomes useless. 

So all of us need the resurrection from the death of above mentioned values 

*5) Sources of New Life*

To the young man of Nain, Jesus was present in person to raise him from the death 

In our context the Same Jesus is found in different form who is helping us to rise from our dead being 

Jesus is present amidst us in the following way 

In the form of Scripture

The sacrament of reconciliation

The sacrament of Eucharist

Celebration of all the sacraments

Through the prayer and meditation 

Through service 

Through generosity

Through forgiveness

Jesus is really present amongst us through these divine things 

*6) Arising is a slow and continuous process*

Arising from the death is a slow and long process

It needs lots of harwork, discipline, commitment and goodwill 

Unless one is ready to change ones life from the evil things, arising from the death is not possible

Everyday one has to struggle with the grace of God, to have new life 

Jesus is ever ready to raise us from the death of Gospel values

But the question is am I ready to listen to Jesus to rise to new life??

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*