Amen, amen, I say to you,
you will weep and mourn, while the world rejoices;
you will grieve, but your grief will become joy.”
you will weep and mourn, while the world rejoices;
you will grieve, but your grief will become joy.”
Catholics enthusiastically celebrate the Sacrament of Bread and Wine, recognizing in these signs the Real Presence of Jesus Christ. They are the Body and the Blood of our Lord.
We should also recognize the “sacrament” of grief. Not only does the Lord bless us through the use ordinary items of everyday life – bread, wine, oil, water – to show us his love; he also uses weeping, tears and emotional distress. These too are ordinary items of everyday life.
In baptism we go down into the water to face the certainty of death. In this symbolic drowning we are relieved of our sins as we rise to new life. We also go down into grief periodically, surrendering to tears, crying and sobbing. Deep sadness relieves us of the expectations that we should always be happy, always be strong, always be content, successful and capable of handling anything. These things may be true some of the time, even most of the time; but not all the time. There is blessedness in that confession. A stoic thinks he can do what he does well all the time; a Christian knows better.
During these days before the feast of the Ascension we allow ourselves the grief of Jesus’ absence. What explanation can we give for his being away? We felt so strong and sure and capable when he was close. In the light of his risen body we knew he would lead us to victory. But now he has been taken from us, just when we were sure he would never leave us alone.
Meanwhile our neighbors mock us. “Where is your risen Lord?” they ask. “If he is raised up why can’t you see him? When will he show himself to the world? And if you believed in him you wouldn’t ever cry!”
If death makes our life real, weeping and sorrow make our emotions real. Only a fake human being, a Stepford wife, can be happy all the time. Despite our obvious preferences, we must experience disappointment, sorrow and heartbreak from time to time -- to know the joy the Lord has promised, and the victory he has won.
Yep!!! Thanks for your words of truth.
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