Greetings on this the Wednesday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: Genesis 41:55-57; 42:5-7a, 17-24a; Psalm 33:2-3, 10-11, 18-19; Matthew 10:1-7
Summary
…[Joseph] turning away from them, he wept (Gen 42:24). And Jesus wept (Jn 11:35).
Reflection
The pathos of God is something we sometimes do not appreciate. In fact there is a tendency to describe the Lord’s weeping as a type of anthropomorphism where the divine is given human attributes. But this is not so, it is the opposite. The pathos of the divine is given to us. God weeps so we may weep. God’s tears teaches us to be tearful of the miseries.
The LORD brings to nought the plans of nations; he foils the designs of peoples. But the plan of the LORD stands forever; the design of his heart, through all generations (PS 33:10-11). Then he summoned his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits to drive them out and to cure every disease and every illness. The names of the twelve apostles are these: (MT 10:1-2a).
Personal Reflection
Among the gifts given us from the Lord – the power over evil, the ability to cure, the Law and right relation – all these gifts are cradled in the pathos of the Lord. In the tears of God.
Weep can also mean to give off slowly so as to not overwhelm us. Joseph (in our old testament reading) richly provided for them and chastised them, both. But he loved them the very most. Later to embrace them with such joy that even the Egyptians heard him – that is to say, evil could not ignore the pathos of God.
- Tears as expression of sorrow and mourning
- Tears of repentance
- Tears of joy and gratitude
- Tears as communication
- Tears as prayer
Jesus summoned his Twelve and gifted them the divine tears. He turned toward them. So the [people] said, “See how he loved him.” (Jn 11:36). But his sobs were so loud that the Egyptians heard him, and so the news reached Pharaoh’s house (Gen 45:2).
Let your compassion move you to tears. Divine tears.
Sacred Readings Full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/070925.cfm
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry