Commentary of the Gospell

For You, Mother

Nothing in the gospel narrative suggests that anyone asked Jesus to raise the son of the widow. This is one of the rare occasions wherein Jesus takes the initiative, without being asked by anyone, to heal or raise someone to life. What moved him to do so? I wonder if the scene provoked in him the future scenario of his own mother at his death: Here is a widow, just like his mother. She has lost the only son – Jesus’ own mother would lose her only son. I wish to think that Mother Mary was present with Jesus at Naim (or the disciples narrated it to her later) and the scene would be etched in her heart; and when her turn came to be the widow who lost her only son, she would recall the scene and find consolation and hope. What greater gift can a son leave for his mother than the assurance that she would have him again, alive!