Plot twist
- Gary Fritsch
- Sep 15
- 2 min read
If you have ever checked out micro photography, you know that if we zoom in enough, it is possible that we don't even know what we are looking at. I think this is the difference between our view of the world and then things going on in it and God's view. Most often this difference in viewpoint comes to the fore in the face of difficult times.
In today's Gospel, Jesus shows that He has power over life and death by raising the widow's son from the dead. It is normal for us to be in awe of this power, and also, at times to wonder why He does not always do this for our loved ones. The scope of our view makes all the difference. Here's a quick example I often share:
When a toddler falls and scrapes their hand badly, it is - for them - tragic. There is red liquid leaking out of their body and they don't know if it will stop, the pain they are feeling is the worst in their life - will it last forever? Their hand is scraped open, and they don't understand about healing. It is literally the worst thing they have ever experienced, and their cries reflect that. As parents, we put our arms around them, draw them close and say 'shhhhh - it's going to be OK'. We can say this, because we have a bigger scope of life. We know the bleeding will stop, the pain will go away and the wound will heal. Our words and calm demeaner bring some level of peace to our little ones.
This scenario plays out with us as we deal with the tragedies of life. We wonder if pains will go away, we wonder how we will live on without our loved one. God, with the scope of all eternity to call upon, draws us close and tells us 'shhhh - it's going to be OK.' He knows that death is a change, not an end. Our experiences in our very brief time here on earth are everything to us now but will only matter in eternity if we let them. We must let the Lord do what He wills with out difficulties and tragedies so that they might prepare us for eternity and even bring us peace and resilience in this world.
We have to always remember that God has a plot in mind, and often it can turn on a dime in a beautiful way for us if we are open and ready. I know - how do we stay open and ready to His plan? By focusing on doing His will - clothe the naked, feed the hungry, visit the sick, welcome the stranger, counsel the doubtful, make disciples of all nations. While we are doing His work, our hearts are open to His Word. You might be surprised by a plot twist.
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