Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

--Parallel verses:
‭‭Mark‬ ‭5‬:‭35‬-‭42‬
While Jesus was still speaking, some people came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue leader. “Your daughter is dead,” they said. “Why bother the teacher anymore?” Overhearing what they said, Jesus told him, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.” He did not let anyone follow him except Peter, James and John the brother of James. When they came to the home of the synagogue leader, Jesus saw a commotion, with people crying and wailing loudly. He went in and said to them, “Why all this commotion and wailing? The child is not dead but asleep.” But they laughed at him. After he put them all out, he took the child’s father and mother and the disciples who were with him, and went in where the child was. He took her by the hand and said to her, “Talitha koum!” (which means “Little girl, I say to you, get up!”). Immediately the girl stood up and began to walk around (she was twelve years old). At this they were completely astonished.

When I think about mourning, it is something that is deeply personal to me. It involves death, pain or loss of a dream or significant investment. And when we mourn, it is a process. Mourning is healthy and good for a time.

In Jewish culture, and in other cultures, they would bring in mourners and wailers around the death of a loved one. They would have them close by. You could hear them all around.

Why did they do this? It was to, I believe, facilitate a period and time of mourning for the family. Also, to show honor and respect to not only the life of the departed loved one, but to the family, as well. Many of these people had work and jobs, busy schedules I presume. But they took time out to mourn.

And there is an important application here for me. There are times when life needs to slow down and I need to listen and truly hear those who mourn. I need to have empathy that is real, and at times just hang and mourn with them, when it’s helpful.

When I have been in mourning, the people who were the most helpful were those who were willing to be there and listen; then if asked, help. And this is what I can do for others too.

Jesus recognizes those who mourn, both due to loss and due to the losses experienced by another. And he says they will be comforted. This promise gives us hope! Some of the ways I am comforted is by quoting scripture, remembering how God has been faithful in the past, and in serving while in mourning. How are you comforted?

Lord, thank you for this passage and promise on mourning. It is important to you and it shows our care and love for others. Teach me to mourn well, and in so doing, honor you and those around me. And thank you for all the times you have provided for my comfort!