How do you respond to the misfortunes of others? The Scriptures show in a number of places that Jesus was often "moved to the depths of his heart" (or spirit) – and today's gospel account is one of them. Our English word compassion is a weak translation of the Hebrew word for "sympathy." Why was Jesus so sympathetic on this occasion? Our Lord not only grieved the untimely death of a youth, but He showed the depth of His concern for a woman who lost not only a husband, but an only child as well. Therefore, Christ's compassion for this woman was the catalyst for Him to use His power to restore the life of a lad whom death had seized as its prey – as well as returning a son to his mother.
In a much deeper and mystical context, one might suppose that Christ, with His own passion looming on the horizon, envisions His own scenario - with His Mother in the position of this widowed mother's inconsolable grief at having lost her only son.
Fr. John
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