I would bet that, for most people, seeing someone cry is unsettling – especially if it is one we love, such as a close relative or friend. Why is it that many of us are not so moved when we read the accounts of Jesus weeping in the scriptures?
“And when he drew near and saw the city he wept over it, saying, ‘Would that even today you knew the things that make for peace! But now they are hid from your eyes. For the days shall come upon you, when your enemies will cast you up a bank about you and surround you, and hem you in on every side, and dash you to the ground, you and your children within you, and they will not leave one stone upon another in you; because you did not know the time of your visitation’’’ (Luke 19:41-44).
Why did our Lord Jesus cry as He gazed over the city of Jerusalem? He was contemplating the upcoming destruction of the city of Jerusalem by the Romans. Also, despite His upcoming suffering and death on the cross, many of the inhabitants of Jerusalem would reject Him.
I cannot help but believe that in that moment, His divine intellect informed His human intellect of all people in the future who would also reject Him despite his Incarnation, passion, death, and resurrection. This being the tip of the iceberg of what He experienced in His agony in the garden.
When reading this scripture passage, it should move us to tears and be the cause for our sorrow for past sins and motivation to avoid future sins, rather than for the fear of the loss of heaven and the pains of hell. This is, in essence, the difference between perfect and imperfect sorrow or contrition.
Just days ago, a young single Catholic man I know called our office in tears, because he was unable to pay his rent. He is known to me as an honest, hard-working individual, apparently living paycheck to paycheck. To make a long story short, the catalyst that led to his acute crisis resulted from helping someone in need.
During the celebration of this year’s Thanksgiving holiday, I will thank God for the many blessings He has bestowed upon me: my family; Catholic Social Services (including our staff and
volunteers); and the gift of all of our supporters who are, I am confident, moved by the tears of Jesus Christ, which leads to their generosity (which is directly responsible for giving us the ability to help others).
Because of the love of our supporters who help us spiritually with their prayers and penances, materially with items not needed around their homes or farms, and financially with cash donations, we are able to help countless individuals and families all across the diocese… many of whom are in tears when they contact us for help.
Please know that all of you, your families and intentions remain in our daily prayers.
