"Learn How to Weep": The Contemporary Challenge of Lament in Today's World

"When the heart is able to ask itself and weep, then we can understand something .... Certain realities of life we only see through eyes cleansed by our tears. ... have I learned how to weep?" These words of Pope Francis emphasize the significance of tears with important matters of life. T...

Full description

Saved in:  
Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Ibita, Ma. Marilou S. (Author)
Format: Electronic Article
Language:English
Check availability: HBZ Gateway
Journals Online & Print:
Drawer...
Fernleihe:Fernleihe für die Fachinformationsdienste
Published: Peeters [2018]
In: Louvain studies
Year: 2018, Volume: 41, Issue: 4, Pages: 377-391
Standardized Subjects / Keyword chains:B Psalms / Bible. Psalmen 88 / Bible. Psalmen 109 / Grief / Lament
IxTheo Classification:HB Old Testament
NBE Anthropology
Online Access: Volltext (doi)
Description
Summary:"When the heart is able to ask itself and weep, then we can understand something .... Certain realities of life we only see through eyes cleansed by our tears. ... have I learned how to weep?" These words of Pope Francis emphasize the significance of tears with important matters of life. This acknowledgment is also operative in the lament psalms and their role in a more authentic worship which recognizes and underlines the suffering of people and all of creation. This study presents Walter Brueggemann's classification of the psalms in connection with the seasons of life and takes Psalms 88 and 109 as examples. In doing so, it also investigates what is crucially lost when lament is not taken seriously in personal prayer and communal liturgy. Finally, alternative images of God from these psalms are offered so contemporary believers can better articulate their struggles, affirm their strength, and become agents of change with "eyes cleansed by tears".
ISSN:1783-161X
Contains:Enthalten in: Louvain studies
Persistent identifiers:DOI: 10.2143/LS.41.4.3285585