And Jesus wept
I was a high school theology teacher on retreat with juniors and seniors when we received news that a recent alumnus, who had been on the same retreat with many of us a year earlier, had died tragically. We quickly adjusted the agenda to create space for grieving and processing, and I found myself leading an impromptu prayer service, proclaiming the Gospel. “And Jesus wept.”
Years later, I was working at an all-girls Catholic high school when the terrorist attacks in Paris and Beirut took place. Our Campus Ministry team spent the weekend planning an all-school prayer service which was held in place of classes that Monday morning. I again found myself proclaiming the Gospel. “And Jesus wept.”
With his recent ruling that ordered the release of five-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos from immigration detention, Judge Fred Biery reminded us of Jesus’ concern for the foreigner when he referenced the Gospel of John. “And Jesus wept.”
The account of the raising of Lazarus from the dead is equal parts human and divine. Before Jesus performs what is perhaps one of his greatest miracles, he is grief stricken by the news of his beloved friend’s death — as we all would be.
As we are when young life is taken suddenly.
As we are when evil shatters cities leaving global ramifications.
As we are when immigrant children are forced to live with the fear of family separation.
Warsan Shire writes in her poem, “what they did yesterday afternoon”:
“later that night
i held an atlas in my lap
ran my fingers across the whole world
and whispered
where does it hurt?
it answered
everywhere
everywhere
everywhere.”
May we spend the remainder of this Lent lamenting with Jesus the injustices of our world, strengthening our resolve to serve the least among us. Indeed, it can be both comforting and faith-affirming to realize that when the whole world cries out in pain, Jesus weeps with us. Everywhere.
Marissa Flores Madden is the Director of Family Immigration Services at Catholic Charities of Central and Northern Missouri and a Department of Justice Accredited Representative.