Jesus Wept

"Jesus wept." (John 11:35). This verse is from the chapter where Christ goes to raise Lazarus from the dead. Christ knew that Lazarus would rise from the dead, not only on the day of His Second Coming but in a few minutes' time. He knew that at least for today this story would have a happy ending. And yet, Jesus wept. He allowed his dear friends to weep and mourn and grieve even though their grief would have an end that very day, at least for a time, and He neither told them not to weep nor that their tears were in vain or of no consequence. He did not try to offer them platitudes or tell them that it gets better or to focus on the good memories. No. He wept. He wept right alongside them and even though he came to undo the death that had rent their souls and broken their hearts, He acknowledged that in this moment their spirits were in tatters and their hearts in pieces and He not only allowed them that moment but fearlessly and compassionately entered into it with them. Christ showed us the way by being baptized and He showed us the way by honoring those baptismal covenants. He showed that He was willing to mourn with those that mourn, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort and to stand as a witness at all times and in all things even unto death. There will come a time when those who mourn will be comforted, when they will be given beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness. But first there is a time to mourn and God will not take that time from us. No grief is trivial or wasted or unnecessary. Our first inclination at being in the presence of someone who mourns is perhaps to comfort them and, if we can, to take away some of their pain and sorrow, but that is not the order of the baptismal covenant. We are first to mourn with those that mourn and then after we may comfort those that stand in need of comfort. That pain is bought with a dear price and the changes it makes to our hearts and souls should not be cheapened or discounted. Yes, thanks to the Atonement and the Resurrection of the Savior, all will one day be made right and all tears will be wiped away, but that day is not this day. As Gandalf said, "I will not say: do not weep. For not all tears are an evil."