Consoled

 "Loud weeping and wailing, Rachel crying, not to be consoled, her children are no more," Matthew 2:18.

How many mothers must cry for their children, lost, taken, exploited, killed? How many fathers must guard anxiously lest their kids don't come home? Kingdoms of this world, doing their best, finally fail in their capacity to protect and serve. Some even participate in the tragedies. Baby Jesus came to such a world. To such a kingdom. To such a time. To a woman, mother, refugee. To a man, guardian of the baby, on the run from authorities. Jesus, a man acquainted with sorrow. Indeed. A man moved with compassion for a grieving mother. A man sighing from deep within for clueless people. Weeping for a dead friend. For the bereaved. A man knowing deep betrayal. Persecuted by foes. Forsaken by closest friends. Tortured by the best. Exposed, naked, executed, finally, by grossly unjust human justice. This man, who bore such iniquity, proclaimed the sky kingdom, this very man said: Blessed, the mourners, for they shall be consoled. His words.

Today, we seek and find a brother or sister and mourn injustice together. And we comfort each other as we await the consolation of Israel. And of all who have loved his appearing. The Risen Christ is coming soon.