To You … With Love,

The Magnificent God who cried.

There He was, our God with tears streaming down his face. "Look how he loved him."

That is what the crowds said as they watched the Lord of life weeping for his friend beside the grave.

We all know the story and we know that Christ was going to raise his friend from the dead. But in the wake of the miracle let us not overlook the intense sorrow of Jesus.

Such tears are the true gifts of human love, expressed out of the response of deep human relationships.

Our Lord has put his blessing upon our tears.

Do not let anyone deny you the right to weep. Your blessed heritage from the precious Savior and each tear is honorable and sent forth to say to the world. "Look how much he loved him."

We honestly should find expression for our sorrows. Yet, we do not sorrow as those who have no hope and because of our grief we may become God's tender servents in a way of compassionate ministries.

After the tears, Jesus found in their healing power the strength to give himself to others.

Dear Father of the weeping heart, the feeling heart, thank you for the blessing of tears which show forth our love. Thank you also for giving us the grace to stand up to our sorrow and to minister out of our own pain.

Amen.

Scripture: John:11'