Today’s Reflection
THE ENCOUNTER between Jesus and Mary Magdalene reminds us to take seriously one crucial New Testament ministry—the ministry of weeping with those who weep. This is important. We can become so absorbed in our own pain and the stories behind it that we do not see the tears of those around us. We forget that the risen Christ, who meets us in our tears, calls us to embody his presence in a deeply wounded world. He calls us always to follow him to those places where people are struggling and in need and to share in his ministry of wiping away their tears. One way to accomplish this task is to weep with those who weep.
—Trevor Hudson
Hope Beyond Your Tears: Experiencing Christ’s Healing Love
From page 33-34 of Hope Beyond Your Tears: Experiencing Christ’s Healing Love by Trevor Hudson. Copyright © 2012 by The Upper Room. All rights reserved. Used by permission of Upper Room Books. Learn more about or purchase this book.
Today’s Question
Share one experience where you felt God used you to “weep with those who weep.” Share your thoughts.
Today’s Scripture
Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.
—Romans 12:15, NRSV
Prayer for the Week
Lord, fill my life with resurrection hope.
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Something more
Nourish your soul. Explore other resources and program ministries of The Upper Room.
Lectionary Readings
(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)
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7 Comments
I was a hospice nurse my husband passed away a few months ago and a social worker we worked together her mother passed away also a few months ago, we both were at the bedside of a dying patient, the daughter was holding her mother and crying and we were both crying at the end of the bed feeling her pain never forget the moment
God is showing me that admitting/confessing what I perceive as weakness can be cleansing and powerful, both for myself and another. The energy in the room Sunday as many of us cried openly permitted, at least for myself, and I believe most of the others in the room, to experience The Spirit in a much deeper way. I can relate with the woman a few chairs away from me – through many tears, saying I just want someone to sit with me. I have felt that so much these past few months. I don’t need conversation, necessarily. I don’t even need a hug. But just the nearness of someone. Then, if conversation comes, if tears come, if a consoling hug occurs – yes, hearts are connecting and The Spirit is moving. So simple, yet so powerful.
I am learning that to experience the fullness of God’s transformation, I must knock down walls I have erected, I must open doors I have closed and I must be willing to bare all – to Him and to others.
Grateful for the care expressed here, for each other and for the multitude of prayers. One of the leaders of my small group just had a baby, and a few of us gathered to “sprinkle” her (as opposed to a baby “shower”) last evening. It was good to see those who were there – I had not seen some of them for quite many weeks.
May the God of all peace comfort us in our circumstances and may we strive to glorify Him in all that we say and do.
While I was helping my sister during hospice care when her husband was dying. We experienced a wide range of emotions that week; laughing over memories of happy times, fear of the unknown, sadness of the loss to come. Tears were a cleansing part of that time. I agree with Jill. Many times we are called to comfort others in emotional pain not with words, but to be present and to sit. We did that a lot.
I woke to rain here; a quiet, soothing shower. Grateful today for the change of seasons and the examples of God’s masterpiece in nature. Am lifting up prayers for my husband as he faces some changes at his job; could be good or bad…..not sure what is to come, but God does. Praying for guidance in moving Forward.
Ah yes, tears have a way of connecting us with one another. We have all suffered and we have all cried. I have been a hospice social worker and there are indeed many opportunities for sitting with another as they weep.
Prayers for Jill as she continues to resume her normal activities.
Prayers for Betsy and her husband as they face job uncertainties.
Prayers for Andrea and Lowell and continued harmony.
Prayers for Connie, may God shine His light into her heart.
Prayers for Edy and Bill and hhis medical team.
Prayers for Mary and her father, may his appetitie improve.
Prayers for Marcy, may she be well.
Prayers for Robert and Erich, many Bible artifacts have been found that support the words contained therein.
Prayers and blessings and warm hugs for each dear UR family member.
Thank you for your prayers
Yes, I wept with the parents of a child that had tumour after I prayed for her.
Thanks Julie for all your prayers.
I had dinner dad today. His appetite has improved. He started talking now and recording who comes back at what time, our family members. Maybe this is his new hobby. Today, I brought him booty the English and Chinese newspaper which he enjoys reading.
Blessings and may all be well!
God BLESS all of you Hospice workers! I cried with my mom when she prayed death would take her. Thank you for your prayers; I got the job! I will be a NANNY again!
Tears are a common denominator across all the differences among the world’s inhabitants. Salty tears, like the ocean. May I have compassion.
Yesterday my neighbor and dear friend, a single woman, fell face-first in her garage and fractured her nose and some facial bones. I took her to the ER. She sees an ENT specialist today to learn if she needs surgery. Please pray for her. Her name is Sharon.
Prayers for UR friends and all who visit here.
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