Recently I’ve been touched by the story of the raising of Lazarus, which pays particular attention to Jesus’ grief and loss over his friend. In the story, Jesus arrived at Bethany where Lazarus had died. Upon seeing Mary, Martha and the others weeping, and when the mourners showed him where they laid Lazarus, “Jesus began to weep.” (Jn 11:33-34)
Even though Jesus would soon raise Lazarus to life, he grieved deeply over his death. I like the way this illustration by James Tisorot captures the intimacy and communal nature of the moment.
James Tissot (French, 1836-1902). Jesus Wept (Jésus pleura), 1886-1896. Opaque watercolor over graphite on gray wove paper, Image: 6 3/4 x 8 15/16 in. (17.1 x 22.7 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Purchased by public subscription, 00.159.182 (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 00.159.182_PS2.jpg)
The visual of Jesus’ face buried in his hands reminds me that God knows our sorrows.
Whether we encounter the death of loved ones as a welcome release or a cruel interruption, church can be a place for tears in a culture that so often papers over grief. Pockets of silence in the liturgies – especially the Ash Wednesday liturgy – remind me that God took the time to grieve. Jesus didn’t rush through bereavement, but showed up for his friends, fully alive to the realities of loss and joy.