The Widow of Nain

*** Narrative Lectionary *** Lectionary Reading: Luke 7:1-17 CLASSIC POEM: The Widow of Nain John Dunmore Lang SLOWLY and sad a funeral train Advances from the gates of Nain, As Jesus walks along the plain. The corse they bear — a widow’s son! Ah! how she weeps! her hope is gone, And she is friendless and alone! Can Jesus pass a scene of woe So sad and sorrowful, nor shew His pity or his power? O no! “Weep not, afflicted one,” he cries, While tear-drops fill his own bright eyes, “Thy son shall live — Young man, arise.” Instant Death owns his conqueror near, And quits his prey with conscious fear, And the youth rises from the bier! Meanwhile the people weep for joy; The mother clasps her risen boy, And hymns of praise their tongues employ. Jesus, my God! I too am dead In sin, and quickly were I laid In hell for ay, without thine aid! But if thou say, “Young man, arise,” Soon shall I ope my closed eyes, And wake to life and heavenly joys!. *** This poem is in the public domain, and may be read in a live-streamed worship service. CONTEMPORARY POEM: The Widow of Naim Thomas Merton SNIPPET: The men that cut their graves in the grey rocks Go down more slowly than the sun upon their dusty country: White as the wall, the weepers leave the town, To be the friends of grief, and follow To the new tomb a widow’s sorrow. … [ READ THE FULL POEM ]