Why Jesus Wept
2023년 3월 26일Why Jesus Wept
< Fifth Sunday of Lent >
Today’s gospel contains the shortest sentence in the Bible: Jesus wept. This inspires and confuses us at the same time. We’re used to learning that Jesus worked miracles, walked on water, cured the sick, multiplied loaves and fishes, changed water into wine, and the most amazing manifestation of his divinity, raised Lazarus from the dead. We believe Jesus is “true God and true human.” We accept Jesus as God, but we are uncomfortable when he reveals his humanity. Jesus is never more human than when he weeps at the tomb of his friend Lazarus. If Jesus knew he was going to bring Lazarus back to life, why would Jesus cry?
Jesus experienced everything humans do except sin. Weeping for a friend or relative who has died is one of the most human things we can do. Who among of us haven’t echoed the words of Martha and Mary?” Lord, if you had been here, my brother (or mother, father, sister, child, spouse) would not have died. Who among us have never been disappointed with God for not saving our loved ones? Jesus wept, I believe, not just for Lazarus in the tomb, but also for the pain his death was causing Martha and Mary. More than forty years ago, a young Maryknoll priest and friend of mine committed suicide. Talk about mixed emotions! I was sad he hadn’t reached out for help, and I was angry with him for causing so many people pain. I was disappointed with God for letting this tragedy happen. At his funeral, another Maryknoll priest preached, using this gospel. He challenged all of us who were feeling so many emotions to offer God everything in our hearts and minds, and to trust that God loves our deceased brother more than we ever could. So today we come together to praise God for sending Jesus into our world and into our lives. We are called to offer God all, our deceased relatives and friends, to unbind them from our hearts, and to let them go. Jesus wept, as do we.