The Widow of Nain

The city of Nain had gates, to keep out intruders. But some intruders cannot be kept away, and chief among them is death. Against death we are helpless, and in this Gospel we see the depths of it: this poor woman was widowed already, and now she has lost her only son. Such bitter loss! But Jesus had compassion, just as he also has compassion on us, and tells her not to weep. For next, he raised her son from death, and in a moment replaced her sorrow with ten times more joy than she has ever known. So shall he do for all of his beloved people who trust him. For although it was said by them of old time, "God helps  those who help themselves," that saying is a lie. The truth is that he helps the helpless. Our help is in the name of the Lord who made heaven and earth. Sermon for Trinity XVI.