We often try to block suffering and pain, influenced by Enlightenment rationalism. Grief isn’t rational, and we don’t know how to handle it. Wisdom traditions teach us that grief is transformative. We must learn from it instead of avoiding it. Many of us repress grief and prefer anger over sadness. Grief is unfinished hurt, and it feels overwhelming, leading us to blame others. We need to remain open to grief and learn its lessons. Saint Ephrem saw tears as signs of divine mercy. Tears help us see clearly and accept that we can’t fix everything. Through tears, we find transformation.
May we remain open to our grief,
embrace its lessons,
and find transformation through
the cleansing gift of tears.
(inspired by: Richard Rohr, Beloved Sons Series)