The shortest verse in the Bible says a lot about our Savior. We can all relate to Martha and Mary when they told Jesus, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died." We feel the deep pain in their voices, and many of us have probably whispered similar words: "Lord, if you had done something differently, I wouldn't be experiencing this." Those feelings are shared by many.

When the crowd saw Jesus weeping, we saw two very different reactions. Some said, "See how much He loved him!" while others wondered, "This man healed a blind man. Couldn't He have kept Lazarus from dying?"

Friends, during times of tragedy, some focus on God's love, while others focus on what they believe God could or should do. This reminds us, especially in our own sorrows, to consider: Am I focusing on what I think God should have done differently, or am I standing firm in the truth of His vast love for us?

Jesus's tears show how much God cares. God knows our pain and collects every tear we shed (Psalm 56:8). We may not always see why God acts as He does, but we must remember, His ways are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:9).

So, when sorrow and sadness come, pray for the Holy Spirit to remind you of God's unfailing love. Lord, help us to always see your love through our fears, tears, and sorrows!

Onward and Upward + Fr. Greg