Naïn

In the New Testament, we read how Jesus was surrounded by his disciples and a great crowd as he walked into Nain. At the city gate they came upon a funeral procession for the only son of a widow. Moved by her grief, Jesus brought the young man back from the dead. Thanks to the many witnesses, the news spread like wildfire from Nain through the whole land. Today, there is a predominantly Muslim village in this place.

In the center is a small church, built in 1880 by Franciscans. It is unfortunately most of the time closed to the public.

Bible Passage: Luke 7:11-17
Soon afterwards, Jesus went to a town called Nain, and his disciples and a large crowd went along with him. As he approached the town gate, a dead person was being carried out – the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. And a large crowd from the town was with her. When the Lord saw her, his heart went out to her and he said, ‘Don’t cry.’ Then he went up and touched the bier they were carrying him on, and the bearers stood still. He said, ‘Young man, I say to you, get up!’ The dead man sat up and began to talk, and Jesus gave him back to his mother. They were all filled with awe and praised God. ‘A great prophet has appeared among us,’ they said. ‘God has come to help his people.’ This news about Jesus spread throughout Judea and the surrounding country.

Reflection: As Christians we believe that God’s life-giving power is stronger than death and that everyone who believes in Jesus will one day be raised from the dead. In his day, Jesus did not raise every dead person, nor are our prayers after a tragic event usually answered in this way. But two things encourage us. Jesus has the power; he himself has conquered death und he still intervenes today, as many people can testify who have experienced his work in their lives. And death won’t have the last word; Jesus grants us eternal life.