Today's Term: The Gift of TearsThe early Church fathers have written that the gift of tears is likened to another baptism, for true tears from the Spirit are cleansing, healing and refreshing to the soul. These early fathers speak of different gifts of tears such as tears of repentance, compunction and sorrow for one's sins. Today we are mainly speaking of the gift of tears that the soul experiences in the prayer of the quiet.
In her writings, St. Teresa helps us to discern the true gift of tears. She warns her nuns that there are certain persons whose weakness causes them to cry over every little trouble. This is not the gift of tears.
"It is easy to know when tears come from this source (God), for they are soothing and gentle rather than stormy and rarely do any harm."
She also warns that this gift does not mean one has true virtue. "Let us not fancy that if we cry a great deal we have done all that is needed-rather we must work hard and practice the virtues: that is essential--leaving tears to fall when God sends them, without trying to force ourselves to shed them."
We must also keep in mind that the tears she is describing take place when the soul is experiencing the prayer of the quiet, an advanced state of prayer that is infused. This type of pray
er brings delight that can spill over into the senses. This prayer, as she states, requires no effort on our part because it is total gift of God.If God gives the gift of tears, one must not dwell on it, because she warns if you dwell on it, the gift will surely disappear as quickly as it was bestowed on the soul.
Her final thoughts on the subject: Therefore, sisters, I think it best for us to place ourselves in the presence of God, contemplate His mercy and grandeur and our own vileness and leave him to give us what He will, whether water or drought, for He knows best what is good for us; thus we enjoy peace and the devil will have less chance to deceive us.
If the Lord has brought us to the blessed state of the prayer of the quiet, let us thank Him and humble ourselves before Him. May he bestow on us the highest gift of all: perfect charity.
All quotes taken from the Interior Castle, Sixth Mansion
Peace be with you!
Rosemarie, OCDS
2 comments:
Wow! This is awesome! Can the "gift of tears" be experienced after receiving Communion? I don't know why, but sometimes tears will stream down my face after I've received Communion as if I can feel a portion of His Passion in my heart. Does this make sense?
It's a feeling of wanting to help CHrist off the cross and sorrow for all the sins of the world....
Erin,
Thanks for leaving your beautiful comment.
I would say that God can give the gift of tears to whom He wills, whenever He wills. As you continue your journey with St. John of the Cross in the Order of Carmel you will learn that he teaches us not to be attached to these holy consolations. This is very difficult because these consolations as you have described are very powerful indeed.
When this happens we have a tendency to dwell on them. We must keep going further up the mountain of Carmel, although we would like to stop and "camp out" for awhile to enjoy the experience. Remember how St. Peter wanted to stop and build his booths after he witnessed the Transfiguration?
I give thanks for your great love of Jesus!
Peace
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