Church of the
Annunciation

Whom does Jesus restore to life – the son? A case can be made for his mother as well! A woman in the ancient world and in parts of the world today is dependent on her father and brothers, and later on her husband and sons. A widow who is burying her only son is facing economic ruin and family breakdown. Jesus is moved with deepest emotion. He asks her to stop crying, and touching the bier, bids the son: “Young man I tell you get up.” Jesus then gives him back to his mother. Jesus puts into action his own words: “Be merciful just as your Father is merciful.” The response of those watching is “God has visited his people.” We do not appreciate our own ability, a divine touch, to convey God’s mercy and compassion – perhaps even on a rare occasion to restore a person to life.