Luke 7:11-17 (NIV)

Jesus Raises a Widow’s Son

11 Soon afterward, Jesus went to a town called Nain, and his disciples and a large crowd went along with him. 12 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. 13 When the Lord saw her, his heart went out to her and he said, “Don’t cry.”

14 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!” 15 The dead man sat up and began to talk, and Jesus gave him back to his mother.

16 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.” 17 This news about Jesus spread throughout Judea and the surrounding country.”

Reflection:

We see the colliding of two large crowds, one walking with Jesus and the other in the midst of a funeral procession. Jesus focuses his attention on this woman, a widow without a husband and now all alone with the death of her only son. Jesus saw this widow, in some ways the epitome of the “poor” to whom Jesus had come to bring good news, in her mourning and despair, and had compassion on her (his heart went out to her). As he comforts the woman and tells her not to cry, Jesus does something so unexpected, so amazing, so incredible - something that only the Lord can do - a glimpse of more to come. He tells the young man to get up! And the dead man sits up and begins to talk! He then gives the son back to his mother, who at this point must be in disbelief at what just happened. And the result of this miracle was that everyone was filled with awe and praised God.

Responding to the Transmission:

Who can raise a dead man back to life? Only the Lord can do such a miracle. As we reflect upon this week’s message and this passage once again, may we (like all those that were with the widow) be filled with awe and praise God. Let us come with thanksgiving to our God, acknowledging the Lord’s hands in our lives (things that only the Lord could do). And let us believe for those we are praying for, that they too would experience the compassion and power of our Lord.

VOLUNTEER INTERN DESCRIPTION:  The State of Maryland, Office of the Public Defender has 12 District offices and 7 Divisions throughout the State of Maryland and is seeking college students and recent graduates to work as interns assisting in the defense of criminal cases in the various county Circuit, District and Juvenile Courts.  The OPD is interested in recruiting volunteer interns, interns for school credit or students who have obtained public interest grants.  Interns assist with support staff duties and may also assist with the attorneys' criminal cases, which range in seriousness from misdemeanor theft to homicide.  The OPD accepts volunteer applications for all semesters and for the summer. 

RESPONSIBILITIES:  Intern responsibilities include:  answering telephones; data entry; conducting intake; filing motions and legal memoranda; participating in case planning and preparation for trial, hearings, and/or sentencing; and witness coordination.  Interns may also assist attorneys at court hearings and trial in their assigned cases.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE: Persons interested in applying should visit our website at www.opd.state.md.us and complete the Application Form for volunteer college/law students found under the tabs for “Employment”, “Law Clerk & Legal Internship Positions” and “College/Law School Volunteer Application”.  Please fax (410-333-8496) or mail the application, along with a current resume and cover letter to:

Diane Lach, Recruitment Director

State of Maryland, Office of the Public Defender

6 Saint Paul Street, Suite 1400

Baltimore, Maryland 21202