Holy Week Journey: The Weeping

Luke 19:41-42
As Jesus came near and saw the city, he wept over it, saying, ‘If you, even you, had only recognized on this day the things that make for peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes.

Following Jesus’ triumphal entry into the city of Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, he continued to teach, preach, and heal.  The disciples prepared the Passover meal, as they were directed.  Before that Jesus sat and contemplated the city of Jerusalem.   The city would soon be destroyed.  Jesus was grieving because Jerusalem had not responded to his declaration of the kingdom and God’s work of salvation in the city.  For this reason, Jesus begins holy week in pain and grief as he prays and laments.

Have you a salt shaker?  Sprinkle a bit of salt upon your tongue.  Take a few moments to really taste the salt.  How would you describe the way the salt makes you feel?    Remember a time when you wept and your tears streamed down your face.   Remember the taste of your tears.

If you have never wept like Jesus wept, let the taste of the salt on your tongue enlighten you to the pain that may be hidden within your own soul.  Are there situations in the world that break your heart in the way Jerusalem broke the heart of Jesus?  

Let any feelings of pain or grief you have right now emerge from within you.  Hold your feelings within your heart in the way an ancient tear bottle held the tears of deep grief.  How might you pray and lament for the children of the world?  

As you begin your Holy Week Journey, be sensitive and compassionate to yourself as you journey with Jesus.