TEARS
PART TWO
A Reflection from the Interpath Traditions
by Thomas P. Bonacci, C.P,

February 28, 2023

“The texture of our universe is one where there is no question at all but that good and laughter and justice will prevail.” “God is biased, horribly in favor of the weak. The minute an injustice is perpetrated, God is going to be on the side of the one who is being clobbered.”

Archbishop Desmond Tutu
Time, October 11, 2010

The World continues to break our hearts. The tears continue to flow in direct proportion to the natural disasters and increasing violence afflicting so many people. It is impossible to make sense of the hurt many people feel and fear.

A long time ago, a very wise person taught me the best source to discover how to cope with the issues and problems of life is to speak with those who suffer the most. It has been said that in every dire moment, there are always people who rise to the occasion with their courage, creativity, generosity, and love. We need only look to our heroes and saints. I suspect there might be others to meet and engage.

I have met many people through the years who will never have their names in the headlines. Yet, they are people of remarkable courage. The father who mourns the sudden death of his beloved son, the mother whose baby died moments after birth, the elderly couple separated because of critical illness, and the list goes on and on. 

The remarkable thing about so many of these people is their uncommon courage in the face of adversity. They refused to be the victims of life or circumstance. Instead, they rose to the occasion with their faith, courage, and willingness to do what they could for other suffering people.

If our tears are the signs of our love, our love for others will be our comfort and peace. The people I speak about are you.  Think for a moment of the many times your heart has been broken, but still you rise up and reach out to others. Our tears, as overwhelming as they can be, invite us to do what we can for other suffering people. 

Blessings to you, Holy Community, for reaching out to other suffering people. Thank you for receiving the help and comfort of others. Our tears are the rivers of hope blessing this World.