The Changing Outlook of Life!

Tuesday, September 16, 2025

1 Tim 3:1-13; Lk 7:11-17

Today’s Gospel highlights the change of outlook in life with and without Jesus. 

There are two groups in the Gospel: the one that walks with Jesus and the other that grieves with the widow of Nain. 

The differences between these two groups inspire our reflection today. 

• One group is gathered around someone who has no life; another group is gathered around someone who gives life. 

• One group is pensively thoughtful about the vulnerability and vicissitudes of human life; the other group seems to have transcended such limitations and rejoices in the presence of the life-giving Lord.

• It was a procession of pain for one group; it was a procession filled with possibilities and expectation for the other. 

• One group shared the pain of the widow. The other group exuded the joy of being with the Lord. 

• One group was reeling in despair; the other group was found thriving in hope. 

When both groups meet, the grieving group learns what it means to be in the company of Jesus. They witness God’s overflowing compassion that transforms sorrow into joy in a short while. 

Along with the grieving group, we also realize that, with Jesus, the group dynamics change. With Jesus, our lives change for the better. 

Who we are with determines what we become. 

Let us pray that we may always find ourselves in the company of the Lord in faith and prayer. 

Fr. Dhinakaran Savariyar