Today, I’m thrilled to share that yet another book I’ve edited—this one by Richard Rohr—is officially publishing tomorrow. The Tears of Things is a book on the prophets, and it certainly feels very timely! In addition to considering our platform in this season of upheaval in our national life, it’s also helpful to understand what prophetic stage(s) we are experiencing.
What do I mean by “prophetic stage”? In Walter Brueggemann’s very succinct summary of the book’s “theme of themes,” he points out how Richard shows us “that mature prophecy is not marked by anger and indignation, but by love and compassion filtered through suffering and tears.”
Culturally, we tend to think of the prophets as angry truth-tellers, and that is certainly true. Amos condemned social inequality and oppression. Elijah opposed Israel’s idolatry under King Ahab. Jeremiah warned Jerusalem of its impending destruction. Jonah reluctantly(!) preached repentance to the political and cultural capital of Nineveh.
But they don’t stay angry. As Richard writes, “These were not just reformers. They were also mystics who were captivated by the wholeness and beauty at the heart of reality at the same time as they were confronting injustice.” That process took them through two more stages: very real grief and eventually compassionate love.
This is why Elijah, for example, could both confront false prophets and perform healings. This is why Isaiah could both proclaim judgment and offer hope. Because he had walked through these stages, Ezekiel could honestly see how dried out the bones of Israel had become and still anticipate that they could live again.
One of the most powerful quotes from the book, for me, is this: “Truth without love is not transformational truth. Truth from a cruel heart undoes its message.” Jesus was a prophet in this lineage. He spoke up against the religious and secular rulers of his day. He also wept over Jerusalem, preached love and forgiveness, and healed people, both physically and psychologically.
So, I ask you: What prophetic stage or stages motivates you these days? Are you fueled primarily by anger and outrage? Those emotions are certainly appropriate, given what’s happening in America right now. In what ways are you also grieving the state of frail humanity? Where can you catch at least a glimpse of God’s love in and through it all anyway?
With all due respect, I wonder if the title of this new book is obscure intentionally? With the word, “Tears” decipherable only in context – and in this case no help – the reader is at a loss. Is the double meaning part of his (Fr. Richard’s) message?
Hi, Alex. Yes, I know there’s real potential for misunderstanding…and the title was already well-established by the time I got it. Some things are out of our control! I hope that people will be curious and want to learn more, rather than seeing it as a stumbling block….
Peace,
Shirin
Shirin, when Richard shared the title with me, he explained the rationale… it’s a funny title for sure. For me, I think there are many driven to tears by what is happening in our world… I can only think that for me, like Alex perhaps… the word tears stand out… tears of love vs. tears of anger… perhaps both. It’s good to wrestle with it…
Well done to you!!!
Thank you, Damien, for sharing your conversation with Richard about the title. I get it, and I think the issue is that many people see the word and think of a rip or a tear—as in tearing cloth or paper (and, of course, it’s biblical to tear your garments in your grief). As our world is being torn asunder these days, perhaps the word is even more prophetic than Richard realized!
Peace,
Shirin