Nobody wants to mourn. Let’s face it, we do everything possible to distract ourselves from the uncomfortable. We sacrifice current Joy in fear of losses to be. We follow every medical fad that offers escape from our dreaded—and inevitable—death. We’ll spend all kinds of time and money trying to block out unpleasantness. So why does Jesus claim they who mourn are “blessed” (or happy)?
I don’t think Jesus wishes us grief, but our desire for self-reliance will inevitably bring it. He knows that in walking through grief—in the “letting go” of control—is freedom. There are gifts that come from mourning. Jesus is there walking with us and waiting on the other side. As St. Oscar Romero noted, “There are many things that can only be seen through eyes that have cried.”
“There are many things that can only be seen through eyes that have cried.” –Oscar Romero
A heart that mourns is a heart that truly loves. A significant portion of the Psalms—the emotional history of the Hebrew people—are laments. Over the course of their history the Hebrews came to know that one must embrace their own human weakness and frailty before they can fully hope and trust in God. When the tears are all shed, we arrive at Gratitude for what was and is now. From Gratitude comes Praise for the God that ever shall be. The honest praise of the purest hearts begin at Lament where we come to the end of ourselves and reach out for God. It is the beginning of eternal happiness, of heaven. Blessed are we.
In this artwork, a woman turns inward, protecting her heart as her balance is rocked by heavy waves and the stars fall around her. Within that heart is the seed of future growth…it will bloom as soon as she unwraps her arms and turns toward the light. The Holy Spirit will fill her soul again and she will find new life. This piece is part of my book, “Arise to Blessedness” from Ave Maria Press. Also available on Amazon and Etsy.
“Blessed Are They Who Mourn” • Original painting is 16×20″ and acrylic on wood panel. It is available at The Sacred Art Gallery in Mesa, AZ.
Prints and other gifts are available in my Fine Art America-Pixels shops.
