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Today the Church remembers the 350 holy Fathers of the Seventh Ecumenical Council who refuted the Iconoclast heresy during the reign of Empress Irene and her son, Constantine VI. The Council decreed that the veneration of icons was not idolatry [Exodus 20.4-5], because the honor shown to them is not directed to the wood or paint, but passes to the prototype (the person depicted). It also upheld the possibility of depicting Christ, who became man and took flesh at his Incarnation.

In the Gospel reading for today, the Church shows us Jesus’ compassion triumphing over death. Jesus is passing through the city of Nain, and there he meets a funeral procession for the only son of a widow. Moved by the sight of the mother’s grief, he tells her not to weep; then, touching the bier, he commands the young man to rise. The dead man sits up, and begins to speak, and Jesus restores him to his mother, and the people, seized with fear, give glory to God.

The Epistle for this Sunday contains some general considerations on the giving of alms.

The point is this: he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must do as he has made up his mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that you may always have enough of everything and may provide in abundance for every good work. As it is written,

"He scatters abroad, he gives to the poor; his righteousness endures for ever.”

He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your resources and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way for great generosity, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God.

Soon afterward he went to a city called Nain, and his disciples and a great crowd went with him. As he drew near to the gate of the city, behold, a man who had died was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow; and a large crowd from the city was with her. And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her and said to her, "Do not weep.” And he came and touched the bier, and the bearers stood still. And he said, "Young man, I say to you, arise.” And the dead man sat up, and began to speak. And he gave him to his mother. Fear seized them all; and they glorified God, saying, "A great prophet has arisen among us!" and "God has visited his people!” And this report concerning him spread through the whole of Judea and all the surrounding country.