Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. (Romans 12:15
The calendar combines both days tomorrow. It’s a day to celebrate love, examine ourselves, and repent of our sins—a strange combination.
At times life juxtaposes happiness and sadness. On the same day in the same hospital, I visited an elated mother and father with their newborn and a family receiving bad news in an ICU waiting room.
I attended a wedding where the families were celebrating. After the couple left for their honeymoon, the mother of the bride received terrible news that her brother had taken his life. Grief displaced joy.
The disciples were filled with joy on Palm Sunday when the crowds hailed Jesus as king but grieved on Good Friday when the crowds shouted for him to be crucified.
As we fulfill the Lord’s command to love one another, may the Holy Spirit fill us with compassion so that we may celebrate with one and grieve with another.
Dr. Sam