"Jesus wept." - John 11:35Lent and Advent are spiritual journeys of faith for the follower of Christ. They stand as bookends to the year and give us balance. Yearly milestones to guide us as we walk through this world. One cannot exist without the other.
But as Advent is a carefully manicured path of joy and anticipation, Lent is a rocky trail laden with thorns.
Lent is a journey of tears as we make our way to Resurrection.
"Jesus wept." We weep.
Culture teaches us that tears are to be avoided. We harden ourselves. We avoid tears, because tears equate weakness. Culture teaches that weakness is to be avoided.
"I am a rock. I am an island."
"Jesus wept."
Only two words. The shortest of scripture, but deeper than the ocean of tears cried ever since.
Tears are cleansing. Tears are healing. Tears are release. Tears are strengthening. Tears prepare.
For as with Advent and Lent, laughing and weeping are emotions that cannot exist without the other.
They stand as emotional structure to guide us as we walk through this world.
Lord, as you wept, we weep as well. Remind us that in our sorrow, you join us and weep even now. Let our tears cleanse us as we make our way through Lent. Let us embrace them, knowing that they prepare us and empty us, so that laughter can return once again. Prepare us today for resurrection. Amen
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