We all know something of tears. Our human emotions are often paired with tears whether they are tears of joy, sorrow or a result of something that has touched our hearts. The concept of tears has come up three times within three weeks and by the third time the Holy Spirit got our attention and prompted this article.

The first time tears was the topic I was in my Bible study where the author referenced Romans 8:26. "In the same way, the Spirit too comes to the aid of our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit itself intercedes with inexpressible groanings."

She likened tears to the Holy Spirit’s intercession on our behalf. She said, "Tears are liquid language set to the tune of the Holy Spirit's groanings.” I think most of us can relate to that. How many times have your tears served as your prayer when the words simply would not or could not come?

The second time was when a dear friend was at an anointing of a dying loved one. The priest said, something to the effect of, tears are one of the earliest forms of holy water. What a beautiful image. Our tears come at our most vulnerable hours. They come in the hours where we kneel at the foot of the cross realizing our human frailty and God’s almighty and merciful power.

The third was at the Saturday palanca mass at the men’s winter weekend in February. Fr Timothy Yanta was the presider. He had lived a weekend almost twenty years prior as a lay person and hadn’t participated in Cursillo since that time. The mass was held in Mary Mother of the Church’s chapel and was filled to capacity. The level of participation and engagement was full and authentic and the presence of the Holy Spirit was strong. During the homily Fr. Yanta shared how powerful his Cursillo experience had been for him during a time in his life when he felt a bit lost. The experience created a hunger for God that would eventually lead him to discern the priesthood. He was so moved during the mass that he was brought to tears when he was giving the homily. He paused several times trying to compose himself and then realized and said to us that they were tears of consolation from the Lord. That was a beautiful example to all of us and it was affirmation that this charism of the Catholic Church, Cursillo, is a very powerful gift that we must continue to offer to as many people as we can. It was so encouraging!

As we write this I realize that I had my own tears of consolation too while participating in the palanca chapel Sunday afternoon. Being surrounded by other believers working to praise and profess our God affirmed that we are right where we are supposed to be. So, be encouraged by your tears. They are a gift from God.

Your sister & brother in Christ,
Justine & Bill Bojan
Lay Directors