In the photo (right) you can see Jerusalem through a window from inside the Dominus Flevit Church. The church gets its name because its designed in the shape of a teardrop to symbolize the tears of Christ (Luke 19) when Jesus becomes overwhelmed by tears of love for the city and its people.
The church’s name, Dominus Flevit, is Latin for “Jesus has wept.” This week’s Gospel also describes the intense love Jesus has for us. For you! Can you recall a time when you were moved to tears of love and compassion for another or others? Of course, some of us express deep emotion with tears, while for others, the tears appear less so, but we all can intensely feel empathy and loving concern that moves us to action on behalf of another.
St. Patrick was first and foremost a missionary who was moved to tears of compassion for others. This Sunday we will discover some interesting facts about St. Patrick. (For example, he wasn’t even Irish, and he was never canonized as a Saint, either. The story about the snakes? Didn’t likely happen.) But St, Patrick did amazing things and his story of love for the Irish people was rooted in his love for Jesus and his life’s mission was tell others about God’s love.
This Sunday, we will turn images of shamrocks and Leprechauns into green teardrop crystals as we experience Tears of Love, to remind us of Jesus’ love for you, his amazing love for you. You will be renewed your Lenten journey and be moved to caring actions that blesses others!
