Ukrainian Catholic ChurchAustralia, New Zealand and Oceania
Homily by Fr. Michael Szyjan on the Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost
October 15, 2023
Today in society and in our parish, there are individuals who have ‘fallen through the cracks’ as well. They may be unemployed, lonely, struggling with depression, divorced, single mothers raising their children, traumatized Ukrainian war refugees, or homeless individuals. We are challenged to respond to their needs.
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ! During the Pentecost season, we reflect on the mission of the Church and our participation as disciples in this mission. In today’s readings, several themes are joined together. In the letter to the Galatians, Saint Paul shares how he became a disciple of Christ. He writes, ‘The one who chose me even from my mother’s womb and called me by His grace.’ In today’s Gospel according to Luke, Jesus passes through the small town of Nain and resurrects the widow’s son. The central themes here are discipleship, resurrection, and widowhood.
The theme of widowhood sheds light on the people in the time of Christ who had ‘fallen through the cracks.’ These were individuals with no formal social support. Widows, the blind, the physically ill, the mentally ill, and the unemployed did not receive pensions or free healthcare. They relied on the kindness of their families or neighbors. Jesus was very aware and compassionate toward these people, responding to their needs. The widow from Nain was undoubtedly grieving the loss of her only son and the stability and certainty that came with him. Jesus restores life to her son and to her.
As disciples of Jesus, we are also called to be aware and responsive toward those who have ‘fallen through the cracks.’ Today in society and in our parish, there are individuals who have ‘fallen through the cracks’ as well. They may be unemployed, lonely, struggling with depression, divorced, single mothers raising their children, traumatized Ukrainian war refugees, or homeless individuals. We are challenged to respond to their needs. When Jesus resurrected the young man, the message was, ‘When you meet Jesus, you have hope, you are not alone, and life can be restored.’ As disciples of Jesus, we are called to become agents of hope, to notice those who have been overlooked, to show compassion, and to offer them support. Jesus said to the widow, ‘Do not weep,’ and those who come to our parish will hopefully hear the same message.
