Even the Dead

Today's Gospel reading (if you're on the new calendar) was very moving for me. It was the story of the raising of Jairus' daughter. Here's the last half of it:

While He was still speaking, someone came from the ruler of the synagogue's house, saying to him, "Your daughter is dead. Do not trouble the Teacher."

But when Jesus heard it, He answered him, saying, "Do not be afraid; only believe, and she will be made well." When He came into the house, He permitted no one to go in except Peter, James, and John, and the father and mother of the girl. Now all wept and mourned for her; but He said, "Do not weep; she is not dead, but sleeping." And they ridiculed Him, knowing that she was dead.

But He put them all outside, took her by the hand and called, saying, "Little girl, arise." Then her spirit returned, and she arose immediately. And He commanded that she be given something to eat. And her parents were astonished, but He charged them to tell no one what had happened. (Luke 6:49-56)

Ah, even the dead can hear Jesus' voice! "Her spirit returned." Lazarus, too, although dead four days, could still hear Jesus' call and respond to it.

And you and I, if we are spiritually dead, or physically, or both, can still hear our Lord when He summons us back to life.

In fact, in the Last Day, everyone who ever lived, like it or not, shall hear that summons. (John 5:29)

Glory to God!