In today's Gospel, Jesus shows mercy by raising a widow's son from the dead.

Alzheimers or Dementia of any kind can be like a premature entombment.

Last wek I visited a woman who should have known me, but did not.

On Thursday I buried her.

And in my funeral homily I shared some thoughts about her and her final predicament.

"See what love the Father has bestowed upon us that we might be called the children of God."

80 years ago in Boston, the priest poured baptismal water over Barbara in the sign of the holy cross.

In the last weeks of her life Barbara became like a little child again in her dementia.

And when I went to see her, she did not recognise me.

 However, when I made the sign of the cross, she reverenty made it too. It was as though when so much else was forgotten, that vestage of the Holy Cross was inscribed indelibly on the depths of her soul.

So she possessed an indelible faith that shone through the darkness of dementia. 

In th first reading we read:

"as gold in the furnace he proved them.."

Barbara and Dick were married over 50 years. And in 50 years there are countless ways for a couple to refine the gold that constitutes their love.

But Barbara had a unique golden opportunity. After 50 years she was willing and able to donate her kidney to her failing husband."

 So today, Jesus is moved with compassion and pity, so much so that he gives an only son back to a weeping widow.

In our own day we seldom witness such a resusitation although sometimes when one is submerged in cold water for a significant time  life breath can be restored.

But praise God for other events of restoration and reinvigoration that lift up our spirits and  our restore our hope.hope.

And so we pray:

Hear O Lord and have pity on me.

O Lord be my helper.

You have changed my mourning into dancing!

O Lord, my God, forever will I give you thanks!

Amen