Sermon, 16th Sunday after Trinity, 2026
In Ephesians 3, St. Paul speaks from imprisonment of the Church’s shared life in Christ. He regards his suffering as service to the whole body, the family of God in heaven and on earth. His words challenge the habit of hearing Christian teaching only as an address to individuals. The baptized are united by the Holy Spirit as members of Christ’s body, receiving their life together from him. Christ preserves his Church, and those who belong to him must take their place within her life.
The raising of the widow’s son at Nain gives that responsibility a vivid setting. When Jesus restores the young man to life, he delivers him to his mother. The widow can be understood as a figure of the Church, which receives and nurtures those brought to new life in Christ. As her children mature, they are called to return that care through service. St. Paul’s costly devotion to the Church sets the pattern, while ordinary acts of faithfulness within the parish provide daily opportunities to share in it.