Reflection

Given the current political vitriol, many of us feel the pain of the world even more than usual. Bad news assaults us each day, and there doesn’t seem to be time to react, process, or feel. As a result, we feel a vague, anxious restlessness.

We can either respond to the pain we feel as an addict or a mourner. Addicts try to medicate pain through addictions, busyness, and distractions. Mourners face pain, lament the difficulty of it, and pass through it.

The practice of lament is a holy response to the vast suffering of the world and a healthy response to the ways others have hurt us and the ways we have hurt others. God is drawn to those who feel the immense sadness of a world invaded by evil.

In order to pass through pain instead of trying to numb it through addictions, those who are mourning need know they are not alone by receiving comfort from a community of love. When we extend comfort to those who are mourning, we share God’s heart for all who are suffering.

Action (Engage)

Is there someone on your heart whom you know is hurting about the state of the world or some personal or interpersonal difficulty? Set a timer for 3–10 minutes. Try to imagine what this person’s pain might feel like. Where do you feel this pain in your body? What is the sensation like? After imagining this person’s pain, write out a two- or three-sentence lament. Bring this lament into the loving presence of God through prayer. What would it mean for you, as part of the Christian community, to extend comfort to this person?

If you have been able to love some who is poor in spirit (from yesterday), great! Otherwise, try to either love someone poor in spirit, or comfort someone who is mourning, this weekend.