S
Stylteralmaldo
Guest
You put it well. You’re right about that. Thanks!
- Status
D
Dredgemate
Guest
I’ve never really thought about it as a gift. In my case, I’ve been emotionally affected at every Mass since I saw “The Passion of the Christ”. I think for me it’s the realization that for that one hour, we are transceding time and space and participating in out Lord’s sacrifice. Pretty powerful stuff!!
P
Pani_Rose
Guest
Thought you might enjoy what one of the Isaac the Syrian has to say about tears. It makes me wonder if St. Paul had tears, they often say he suffered some type of problem with his eyes. I also have tears.
EXPERIENCE OF PRESENCE: BITTER AND SWEET TEARS
The theme of tears is one of the characteristic themes of Syrian ascetical literature. Tears are also an integral part of Isaac the Syrian’s monastic spirituality.[1]
In Syriac, the word abila, which means ‘a mourner’, was used for designating a monk. According to Syrian tradition, a monk is primarily he who mourns for himself, for others, for the whole world. ‘A mourner (abila) is he who passes all the days of his life in hunger and thirst for the sake of his hope and future good things’, Isaac says. ‘A monk (ihidaya) is he who making his dwelling far from the world’s spectacles, has the desire of the world to come as the only entreaty of his prayer. A monk’s wealth is the comfort that comes of mourning…’[2] In accordance with the notion of a monk as a person whose main activity is mourning for sins, Isaac writes:
What meditation can a monk have in his cell save weeping? Could he have any time free from weeping so as to turn his gaze to another thought? And what occupation is better than this? A monk’s very cell and his solitude, which have a likeness to life in a tomb, far from human joys, teach him that his work is to mourn. And the very calling of his name urges and spurs him on to this, because he is called ‘the mournful one’ (abila), that is, bitter in heart… A monk’s consolation is born of his weeping…[3]
Mourning, according to Isaac, should be constant and unceasing. As one comes closer to the fruit of spiritual life tears become more and more frequent until they flow forth every day and every hour.[4] At the same time constant weeping is not yet the climax of the spiritual journey. The climax is, according to Isaac, the state wherein a person, under the influence of constant weeping, comes to the ‘peace of thought’ and spiritual rest: in this state tears become ‘moderate’. The dynamics of the transition from recurrent tears to constant weeping and then from constant weeping to the ‘moderate’ tears of the perfect is shown by Isaac in Homily XIV from Part I. Here Isaac suggests that the birth of the weeping of repentance in a person signifies his embarking upon the way to God. In the first stage of this way, the tears are temporary and recurrent, in the second they flow forth without ceasing, and in the highest, they come to a ‘measure’. Isaac considers this teaching of his as the faith of the whole Church:
con’t
EXPERIENCE OF PRESENCE: BITTER AND SWEET TEARS
The theme of tears is one of the characteristic themes of Syrian ascetical literature. Tears are also an integral part of Isaac the Syrian’s monastic spirituality.[1]
In Syriac, the word abila, which means ‘a mourner’, was used for designating a monk. According to Syrian tradition, a monk is primarily he who mourns for himself, for others, for the whole world. ‘A mourner (abila) is he who passes all the days of his life in hunger and thirst for the sake of his hope and future good things’, Isaac says. ‘A monk (ihidaya) is he who making his dwelling far from the world’s spectacles, has the desire of the world to come as the only entreaty of his prayer. A monk’s wealth is the comfort that comes of mourning…’[2] In accordance with the notion of a monk as a person whose main activity is mourning for sins, Isaac writes:
What meditation can a monk have in his cell save weeping? Could he have any time free from weeping so as to turn his gaze to another thought? And what occupation is better than this? A monk’s very cell and his solitude, which have a likeness to life in a tomb, far from human joys, teach him that his work is to mourn. And the very calling of his name urges and spurs him on to this, because he is called ‘the mournful one’ (abila), that is, bitter in heart… A monk’s consolation is born of his weeping…[3]
Mourning, according to Isaac, should be constant and unceasing. As one comes closer to the fruit of spiritual life tears become more and more frequent until they flow forth every day and every hour.[4] At the same time constant weeping is not yet the climax of the spiritual journey. The climax is, according to Isaac, the state wherein a person, under the influence of constant weeping, comes to the ‘peace of thought’ and spiritual rest: in this state tears become ‘moderate’. The dynamics of the transition from recurrent tears to constant weeping and then from constant weeping to the ‘moderate’ tears of the perfect is shown by Isaac in Homily XIV from Part I. Here Isaac suggests that the birth of the weeping of repentance in a person signifies his embarking upon the way to God. In the first stage of this way, the tears are temporary and recurrent, in the second they flow forth without ceasing, and in the highest, they come to a ‘measure’. Isaac considers this teaching of his as the faith of the whole Church:
con’t
P
Pani_Rose
Guest
When you attain to the region of tears, then know that your mind has left the prison of this world and has set its foot on the roadway of the new age, and has begun to breathe that other air, new and wonderful. And at the same moment it begins to shed tears, since the birth pangs of the spiritual infant are at hand. For grace, the common mother of all, makes haste mystically to give birth in the soul to the divine image for the light of the age to come.
While the infant has not yet been born, the tears come to a solitary from time to time, but when the infant is born, as long as he grows up the tears increase until they flow forth unceasingly: ‘the eyes of such a man become like fountains of water for two years’ time or even more, that is, during the time of transition’. After two years or more of transition, the person enters into the ‘peace of thought’ and the ‘rest’ of which St Paul spoke.[5] ‘When you enter into that region which is peace of the thoughts, then the multitude of tears is taken away from you, and afterwards tears come to you in due measure and at the appropriate time. This is, in all exactness, the truth of the matter as told in brief, and it is believed by the whole Church and by Her eminent men and front-line warriors’.[6]
The tears of repentance that are born in a person from the consciousness of sins are accompanied by a ‘bitterness of the heart’ and contrition. But the dynamics of the development of a person involves a gradual transition from this type of tears to another, to the sweet tears of compunction. The teaching on the two types of tears is expounded by Isaac in Homily XXXVII of Part I:
There are tears that burn and there are tears that anoint as if with oil. All tears that flow out of contrition and an anguish of heart on account of sins dry up and burn the body, and often even the governing faculty feels the injury caused by their outflow. At first a man must necessarily come to this order of tears and through them a door is opened unto him to enter into the second order, which is superior to the first; this is the sign that a man has received mercy. These are the tears that are shed because of insight; they make the body comely and anoint it as if with oil, and they pour forth by themselves without compulsion… The body receives from them a sort of nourishment, and gladness is imprinted upon the face. He who has had experience of these two alterations will understand.[7]
The tears of compunction which are accompanied by the feeling of spiritual joy are granted to someone when he reaches the state of the purity of heart and dispassion. These tears are a consequence of the fact that a person is deemed worthy of revelations from above and the vision of God. This is implied in the Beatitudes:
Blessed, therefore, are the pure in heart,[8] for there is no time when they do not enjoy the sweetness of tears, and in this sweetness they see the Lord at all times. While tears are still wet in their eyes, they are deemed worthy of beholding His revelations at the height of their prayer; and they make no prayer without tears. This is the meaning of the Lord’s saying, ‘Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted’.[9] For a man comes from mourning into purity of soul… All the saints strive to reach this entrance-way, because by means of tears the door is opened before them to enter the land of consolation, wherein the footsteps of the love of God are imprinted through revelations.[10]
con’t
While the infant has not yet been born, the tears come to a solitary from time to time, but when the infant is born, as long as he grows up the tears increase until they flow forth unceasingly: ‘the eyes of such a man become like fountains of water for two years’ time or even more, that is, during the time of transition’. After two years or more of transition, the person enters into the ‘peace of thought’ and the ‘rest’ of which St Paul spoke.[5] ‘When you enter into that region which is peace of the thoughts, then the multitude of tears is taken away from you, and afterwards tears come to you in due measure and at the appropriate time. This is, in all exactness, the truth of the matter as told in brief, and it is believed by the whole Church and by Her eminent men and front-line warriors’.[6]
The tears of repentance that are born in a person from the consciousness of sins are accompanied by a ‘bitterness of the heart’ and contrition. But the dynamics of the development of a person involves a gradual transition from this type of tears to another, to the sweet tears of compunction. The teaching on the two types of tears is expounded by Isaac in Homily XXXVII of Part I:
There are tears that burn and there are tears that anoint as if with oil. All tears that flow out of contrition and an anguish of heart on account of sins dry up and burn the body, and often even the governing faculty feels the injury caused by their outflow. At first a man must necessarily come to this order of tears and through them a door is opened unto him to enter into the second order, which is superior to the first; this is the sign that a man has received mercy. These are the tears that are shed because of insight; they make the body comely and anoint it as if with oil, and they pour forth by themselves without compulsion… The body receives from them a sort of nourishment, and gladness is imprinted upon the face. He who has had experience of these two alterations will understand.[7]
The tears of compunction which are accompanied by the feeling of spiritual joy are granted to someone when he reaches the state of the purity of heart and dispassion. These tears are a consequence of the fact that a person is deemed worthy of revelations from above and the vision of God. This is implied in the Beatitudes:
Blessed, therefore, are the pure in heart,[8] for there is no time when they do not enjoy the sweetness of tears, and in this sweetness they see the Lord at all times. While tears are still wet in their eyes, they are deemed worthy of beholding His revelations at the height of their prayer; and they make no prayer without tears. This is the meaning of the Lord’s saying, ‘Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted’.[9] For a man comes from mourning into purity of soul… All the saints strive to reach this entrance-way, because by means of tears the door is opened before them to enter the land of consolation, wherein the footsteps of the love of God are imprinted through revelations.[10]
con’t
P
Pani_Rose
Guest
Thus the tears of compunction which are born as a result of someone’s reaching the state of purity and dispassion lead him to the perfection of the love of God. The sign that a person has reached the love of God is his ability to shed tears every time when he remembers God:
Question: And whence does a man know that his has attained to the perfect love of God? Answer: When the recollection of God is stirred in his mind, straightway his heart is kindled by the love of Him and his eyes pour forth abundant tears. For love is wont to ignite tears by the recollection of beloved ones. A man who is in this state will never be found destitute of tears, because that which brings him to the recollection of God is never absent from him; wherefore even in sleep he converses with God. For love is wont to cause such things.[11]
Isaac often says that tears of compunction should accompany prayer. Tears during prayer are, according to him, a sign that a person’s repentance has been accepted by God.[12] When the gift of tears is granted to a person during prayer, the delight of these tears should not be counted as idleness.[13] A multitude of tears is born to a person in the life of stillness, ‘sometimes with pain, sometimes with amazement; for the heart humbles herself and becomes like a tiny babe, and as soon as she begins to pray, tears flow forth in advance of her prayer’.[14] According to Isaac’s testimony, tears during prayer were experienced by the majority of good monks of his time: ‘(A monk) may receive the gift of tears during the office - something which the majority of right-minded brethren experience - tears which so compel that brother with their quantity that he is unable to complete the office, even though he struggles greatly to do so: instead, he has to abandon the office because of abundant weeping…’[15]
We see that Isaac does not regard tears as an extraordinary gift, as a special charisma, of which only very few are counted worthy. On the contrary, he considers that the experience of tears is necessary for every Christian, not necessarily a monk.
Isaac does not always distinguish between the bitter tears of repentance and the sweet tears of compunction. Rather, two types of tears are the two sides of one medal, two aspects of one and the same experience. The tears of compunction, which are born from mystical insights, from the love of God and from deep humility, are joyful tears. At the same time they are accompanied by repentance, by the awareness of one’s own sinfulness, by ‘burning suffering’ and a contrite heart.
orthodoxia.org/hilarion/articles/mystisaac/iscont.htm
ST ISAAC OF NINEVEH AND SYRIAN MYSTICISM
Lectures at the Divinity Faculty of the University of Cambridge. Spring 1999
Question: And whence does a man know that his has attained to the perfect love of God? Answer: When the recollection of God is stirred in his mind, straightway his heart is kindled by the love of Him and his eyes pour forth abundant tears. For love is wont to ignite tears by the recollection of beloved ones. A man who is in this state will never be found destitute of tears, because that which brings him to the recollection of God is never absent from him; wherefore even in sleep he converses with God. For love is wont to cause such things.[11]
Isaac often says that tears of compunction should accompany prayer. Tears during prayer are, according to him, a sign that a person’s repentance has been accepted by God.[12] When the gift of tears is granted to a person during prayer, the delight of these tears should not be counted as idleness.[13] A multitude of tears is born to a person in the life of stillness, ‘sometimes with pain, sometimes with amazement; for the heart humbles herself and becomes like a tiny babe, and as soon as she begins to pray, tears flow forth in advance of her prayer’.[14] According to Isaac’s testimony, tears during prayer were experienced by the majority of good monks of his time: ‘(A monk) may receive the gift of tears during the office - something which the majority of right-minded brethren experience - tears which so compel that brother with their quantity that he is unable to complete the office, even though he struggles greatly to do so: instead, he has to abandon the office because of abundant weeping…’[15]
We see that Isaac does not regard tears as an extraordinary gift, as a special charisma, of which only very few are counted worthy. On the contrary, he considers that the experience of tears is necessary for every Christian, not necessarily a monk.
Isaac does not always distinguish between the bitter tears of repentance and the sweet tears of compunction. Rather, two types of tears are the two sides of one medal, two aspects of one and the same experience. The tears of compunction, which are born from mystical insights, from the love of God and from deep humility, are joyful tears. At the same time they are accompanied by repentance, by the awareness of one’s own sinfulness, by ‘burning suffering’ and a contrite heart.
orthodoxia.org/hilarion/articles/mystisaac/iscont.htm
ST ISAAC OF NINEVEH AND SYRIAN MYSTICISM
Lectures at the Divinity Faculty of the University of Cambridge. Spring 1999
J
Joanna
Guest
Pani Rose,
Your gift of the teachings of Isaac the Syrian on the “gift of tears” is one that I hope and pray bears fruit in all of us who weep and those who long to weep.
I, especially, love the part of Isaac’s homily that is expressed, “While tears are still wet in their eyes, they are deemed worthy of beholding His revelations at the height of their prayer; and they make no prayer without tears. This is the meaning of the Lord’s saying, ‘Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted’. For a man comes from mourning into purity of soul…”
This brings to mind the other beatitude that says, “Blessed are the pure of heart for they shall see God.” (Matthew 5: 8)
Your gift of the teachings of Isaac the Syrian on the “gift of tears” is one that I hope and pray bears fruit in all of us who weep and those who long to weep.
I, especially, love the part of Isaac’s homily that is expressed, “While tears are still wet in their eyes, they are deemed worthy of beholding His revelations at the height of their prayer; and they make no prayer without tears. This is the meaning of the Lord’s saying, ‘Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted’. For a man comes from mourning into purity of soul…”
This brings to mind the other beatitude that says, “Blessed are the pure of heart for they shall see God.” (Matthew 5: 8)
H
hawkeye
Guest
Then add the fact I’m usually brooding over my sins throughout the whole service…
I fear I’ll be a basket case during my first Confession.
tttteeeesting
I fear I’ll be a basket case during my first Confession.
tttteeeesting
H
hawkeye
Guest
H
hawkeye
Guest
F
Forgiven
Guest
What lovely posts from Pani Rose–thank you so much. I loved reading these words of Isaac’s, as they affirm my own understanding of tears.
I have tears at every Mass and following Reconciliation. I feel so blessed to have them as I am filled with love when they come. They truly do feel like a gift of love to me and I am so very grateful for them.
May God bless everyone!
I have tears at every Mass and following Reconciliation. I feel so blessed to have them as I am filled with love when they come. They truly do feel like a gift of love to me and I am so very grateful for them.
May God bless everyone!
J
jennstall
Guest
I’m so glad to see this post. I’ve been thinking I was a bit of a crazy person for getting so emotionally affected during Mass or Adoration. In case anyone is keeping track, I’m another revert. I definitely did not weep during Mass when I was younger, but I do tend to be a weeper in general – those Hallmark commercials during the Olympics really get me
Jenn
Jenn
C
CD4
Guest
I’ve had this happen from time to time, usually from the consecration on…I am especially touched when serving as an EMHC…
S
seeker63
Guest
The Bishop was at the Mass I attended yesterday, and boy, did they pull out all the stops for him! They made a High Mass even more so. And whenever the choir shot up into stratospheric octaves or the organist would throw in just a bit more majestic flair at just the right dramatic time, even though I felt a bit like my buttons were obviously being pushed, I did get moist-eyed and had to bat my eyelids to control myself. I hope I don’t sound shallow here, but even without the spiritual dimension, the Mass can be one really moving show. Then when you add God into the mix…
Z
Zinger65
Guest
Wow, I did a search on goggle about the gift of tears after reading it in church in a book about The Cure D’Ars. He had this gift. I cry ever week in mass!!As most cradle catholics do, as a teen I refused to go to mass (rebellion the stuff of teens). When I started dating my dear husband I decided to go back to mass and confession. I thought long and hard and decided God would know if I was doing it for Him or my husband. I went to confession on Corpus Cristi after working a twelve hour shift (nights). I relieved my soul of 10 years of sin and non-repentance for my own sake and for God. I felt relief. But after communion I sobbed, I felt enveloped in the presence of the Holy Spirit. My entire body was encased in this loving warm and I knew God existed with out doubt. This is especially important because as a teen I always said I did not know if God exisited because there was no proof. Well he gave me the gift of proof.
Ever since I have only recieved a flicker of that warmth at the time of communion. I have always gotton a little teary eyed at the time of communion. But as my faith has deepened paticularly in the last year I weep every time at the eucherist.
After ten years of infertility we became pregnant this year but lost the baby @ 7 weeks. We named him Gabriel, for he was always meant to be an angel. I have noticed my tears at mass have increased, I thought it was because of my sorrow. However, after reading all the posts I think it is not only my sorrow but the comfort of God for my sorrow and loss. After our loss he has asked me to come one step closer to him and share this Gift of tears.
Inger
C
CD4
Guest
Hi Inger,
I am so sorry for your loss and sorrow. It is very hard to lose a child…no matter what the age. Your grief is soevident in your post, as is your faith in God’s goodness. Thank you for sharing your story with us.
I am so sorry for your loss and sorrow. It is very hard to lose a child…no matter what the age. Your grief is soevident in your post, as is your faith in God’s goodness. Thank you for sharing your story with us.
J
jmm08
Guest
You and me both.
T
Teresa9
Guest
I have been so happy to read of all your tears, this happens to me too, and it is a wonderful thing, the heart leaps with joy and drops with sorrow at the same time and tears flow and there isn’t a thing you can do about it. Don’t feel embarrassed it is a sure sign of love of God and Christ Jesus and in this world so hardened to emotion and people’s feelings it reminds us, that God is love and his love is in, with and around all of us if we step closer to him. God Bless all of you and every drop of your tears xx
P
Pani_Rose
Guest
My wonderings about the Apostle Paul and tears
The Apostle Paul states in Galations 4:13-15 You did me no wrong; 13 you know that it was because of a physical illness 11 that I originally preached the gospel to you, 14 and you did not show disdain or contempt because of the trial caused you by my physical condition, but rather you received me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus. 15 Where now is that blessedness of yours? Indeed, I can testify to you that, if it had been possible, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me.
In the USCCB footnotes it states: 11 [13] Physical illness: because its nature is not described, some assume an eye disease (Gal 4:15);
As I have read each of the wonderful posts that have been made, and especially our dear sister who lost her child, I just wonder if Paul had tears. He rejoiced so much and he suffered just as much. If at that time there was no understanding or posssilby it had not been experienced enough. I know this is just my own wonderings, but to me it makes sence. But, also the apostle would have the wisdom to know it was tears from God. However, like so many of us have said they are there(tears), in season and out of season, no matter how we feel or think or others think about us. Tears are just there!
Sweetest Jesus we thank you so much for the grace you give us to cry. For your gift of tears brings healing to our lives and healing for the lives of others. We thank you that through them we know you love us for in our tears we have joy and love, becasue our life is in you alone. We thank you that in these tears is an over abundant awareness of your presence. We thank you that we grieve through these tears, for we cry for oursleves and those in this world who are hurting. Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, your ways are not our ways and thank you so much that you grant us your ways. Have mercy on us and on the whole world. Amen.
Pani Rose
The Apostle Paul states in Galations 4:13-15 You did me no wrong; 13 you know that it was because of a physical illness 11 that I originally preached the gospel to you, 14 and you did not show disdain or contempt because of the trial caused you by my physical condition, but rather you received me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus. 15 Where now is that blessedness of yours? Indeed, I can testify to you that, if it had been possible, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me.
In the USCCB footnotes it states: 11 [13] Physical illness: because its nature is not described, some assume an eye disease (Gal 4:15);
As I have read each of the wonderful posts that have been made, and especially our dear sister who lost her child, I just wonder if Paul had tears. He rejoiced so much and he suffered just as much. If at that time there was no understanding or posssilby it had not been experienced enough. I know this is just my own wonderings, but to me it makes sence. But, also the apostle would have the wisdom to know it was tears from God. However, like so many of us have said they are there(tears), in season and out of season, no matter how we feel or think or others think about us. Tears are just there!
Sweetest Jesus we thank you so much for the grace you give us to cry. For your gift of tears brings healing to our lives and healing for the lives of others. We thank you that through them we know you love us for in our tears we have joy and love, becasue our life is in you alone. We thank you that in these tears is an over abundant awareness of your presence. We thank you that we grieve through these tears, for we cry for oursleves and those in this world who are hurting. Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, your ways are not our ways and thank you so much that you grant us your ways. Have mercy on us and on the whole world. Amen.
Pani Rose
M
mjaiy
Guest
undefined
MaryChelan:
go to holy mass daily if possible.recite holy rosary daily 4 times. go to confession at least once in a month. fast atleast once in a week.the above practice will make u perfect. in jesus name i write this,. hail mary!!! hail jesus!!! may god bless u.
dr.m.j. george chennai-india
well.i have this gift of tears for the past10 years. it stated in 1994 while i was attending a 7 day retreat at divine retreat centre, chalakudy-kerala-india.on the 3rd day of the retreat., tears started to flow while i listened to the WORD OF GOD.the amount of tears i have shed during the past 10 years would be more than200 litres.still i have this gift. i understand this is one of the GIFT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. later in the year 1997 i had a vision of blessed virgin mary and infant jesus while reciting holy rosary with closed eyes.in the same year i had another vision–i saw a brilliant light comming out of the holy eucharist during holy mass conducted by fr. ignatius of madras. this gift of tears will occur only to gifted persons…so pray every day meditating the word of god -the bible, including the deutrocanonical -apocrypha.these are also inspired by the holy sprit.
go to holy mass daily if possible.recite holy rosary daily 4 times. go to confession at least once in a month. fast atleast once in a week.the above practice will make u perfect. in jesus name i write this,. hail mary!!! hail jesus!!! may god bless u.
dr.m.j. george chennai-india
C
cafius
Guest
wow! Praise God that i’ve been led here. i never knew there is a gift of tears. lately i’ve been shedding tears during the Holy Mass. i thought maybe i must’ve had a big problem that i couldn’t quite put a finger on. but i didn’t feel like i really did. so i got a bit more confused. but i do know that what i felt, as the tears flow, was joy. awesome awesome joy! i was even embarrassed coz the tears just started to flow, and my family was there, and my grandmother too. i’m never the kind of person who cries easily like that. but the tears wouldn’t stop flowing.
Praise God! thank You for this gift. awesome God!
thank You too brothers and sisters in Christ, for sharing this…
God bless!!!
Praise God! thank You for this gift. awesome God!
thank You too brothers and sisters in Christ, for sharing this…
God bless!!!
- Status