4TH WEEK OF LENT

No longer shall the sound of weeping be heard there.

We’ve all seen how the Covid-19 pandemic has devastated families and communities. But even during “normal” times, experiences like broken relationships or the loss of a baby can still cause us great pain. In these moments, the Scriptures offer us great comfort. Some passages give us words to voice our sorrow to the Lord, and others, like today’s first reading, reassure us that one day all will be restored.

Think of David’s psalms: many are psalms of lament. He shows us that it’s okay to express our brokenness, confusion, and pain to the Lord. He did not hold back. He dared to ask questions that seem like they shouldn’t be allowed. Yet after he poured out his heart, he often ended in a prayer of trust that God would one day make everything right.

David did not have passages like this one from Isaiah to reassure him, but we do. Scripture verses like these remind us of our heavenly home, where there will be no more suffering or sadness (Isaiah 65:19). They tell of a time when every tear will be wiped away and every relationship will be restored.

As Christians, we believe that Jesus is the fulfillment of these words. He has promised to prepare a place for us: a place of complete well-being for every part of his creation (John 14:2-3; Revelation 21:4). He has promised us a place with him, where there is no suffering, only joy and wholeness.

Perhaps you have lost someone you love, and this season of sacrifice is yet another reminder of the difficult path you are on. Or maybe you are facing some other kind of struggle that is challenging you in unforeseen ways. God knows where you are. He’s inviting you to come and tell him about your pain, even if it’s something that happened a long time ago. He is saying, “My beloved child, I am holding you; trust in me. One day, all of this will be made new.” If it feels hard to believe this, that’s okay; just hold on to Jesus’ promise that he is with you. As you are ready, bring your questions and everything else to him. Let him remind you of the joyous day when you will see him face-to-face.

“Lord, help me to trust you on this journey to heaven.”

Psalm 30:2, 4-6, 11-13
John 4:43-54
Isaiah 65:17-21