Holy Grief

"Rachel is weeping for her children, she refuses to be comforted for her children, because they are no more" (Jeremiah 31:15-17). The people of God were being chastised for their sin and rebellion ~ a foreign army had conquered Israel and Jerusalem. Rachel cries out in a time of spiritual and moral turmoil, giving voice to God's anguish over the loss of her children. Rachel's weeping is a form of resistance.

Around our world, mothers have lost their children to war, violence and refuse to conceal their despair. When we are witness to the pain of another, we cannot remain unaffected ~ Rachel's grief speaks to mothers of all ages, reminding us to be inconsolable as long as our children suffer. She moves us to feel, to grieve and to take action in response to these injustices.

Almighty God, deal graciously with those who mourn and put their hope in you ~ may they know the consolation of your love.

Yet the biblical passage continues with God's promise to Rachel: "Keep your voice from weeping, for your work will be rewarded and there is hope for your future", reminding us that faithful grief though it does not take the pain away, becomes the very ground from which redemption grows.