1 Tim 3:1-13 / Luke 7:11-17
Most of our values have been shaped and formed since our years as a child. In fact, it is said that the first six years of a child are the most important years as those are the crucial years of formation and learning.
So we inherit values from our parents and from those who are tasked to teach us and also from those who make an impression on us.
And in many ways we reflect the values of our parents and what they believed in and also the values of our family.
That's why when we behave contrary to the values and beliefs that we were brought up in, then among those who will be disappointed will be our parents. And our parents might even be blamed for not giving us a good upbringing.
In the 1st reading, St. Paul talked about the importance of choosing church leaders and he listed out the criteria for the choice.
The requirements are certainly very high, but that's because they have this responsibility of forming and nurturing the members of the church in the areas of faith and morality.
And what if they stumble and fall? When this happens, then almost everyone will be blamed - the disgraced leader, his superiors, the Church and everyone and everything connected to it.
A kind of spiritual death happens as those who fell and failed are left in the dust of guilt and shame.
In times like these, regardless of whether it is a church leader, a leader of the community, an educator or a law enforcement officer, etc., let us commend that person into the hands of Jesus.
In the gospel, we heard that Jesus raised the dead man and gave him back to his mother. For those who fell and failed, and for those whose faith were shaken by what happened, may Jesus show His mercy and compassion and raise up all from a spiritual death and from a shattered faith.