I Say to You, Arise!

Reflection 44 from Matters of the Heart, a series of Orthodox reflections on faith and life.

‘Then He came and touched the open coffin, and those who carried him stood still. And He said, “Young man, I say to you, arise.”’ – Luke 7:14

See Also:

Luke 7:11-17

The Lord’s raising of the son of the widow of Nain is much like what He does with each of us. For seeing us dead in our ways and destined for the grave as a result of sin, the Giver of Life is quick to act.

For who else is able to stop the mournful march towards the grave? Who can reach deep within the casket to bring us out of the snares of death? And who can raise us from the pit of sin and restore us to glory with but a simple command?

Only God can! He stops us along the path of destruction, and through a process of metanoia, directs us towards the way of righteousness. He touches us in the Eucharist as He did with the young man’s coffin. And He speaks life into us with His Holy Word as He did when He said to the young man,“I say to you, arise!”

Prayer

Lord the Giver of Life! Do not leave me dead in my sins, but rescue me and restore my life as you did with widow’s son.

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