08 July, Friday of Week 14

Tears of Joy

Today’s texts are appropriate for Friday, the day when we commemorate the death of Jesus on the cross. We read of tears of agony and persecution as well as of joy and relief. Joseph and Jacob weep over their long separation and final reunion. The gospel too, while it does not mention tears, implies them as brother hands brother over to death, and children “turn against parents and have them put to death.”