The Tears of Things
Prophetic Wisdom for an Age of Outrage
Richard Rohr
Convergent Books, 196 pages, Published March 4, 2025
I write in the wake of recent political violence; its impact is unclear. Will we further ratchet up the tension, or will we temper our discourse? For now, anyone who ventures onto social media knows we’re firmly planted in an age of outrage. Colleagues who posted benign statements encouraging peaceful restraint found themselves under siege, both by those who sought martyrdom for the deceased and by those defending their right to condemn him in the harshest terms.
We need help. Fast. Enter Franciscan friar and contemplative teacher Richard Rohr, who looks to the biblical prophets.
Rage is the instigator, but we move toward grief and then grace.
This movement – from tears to action – likely produces more productive results than if we remained righteously angry. Particularly helpful is Rohr’s discussion of “unfinished” prophets like Jonah or even John the Baptist, who remain in anger rather than evolve. We see the spoiled fruits of rage-filled prophets today, and we are reminded that the work of a true prophet bears good fruit. So we are called to follow mature prophets in the tradition of Isaiah (and Job, who Rohr compellingly includes in this camp) toward the “unconditional divine love (that) is the fruit and result of this work of God in the soul.”
Rohr’s book is immensely practical — I easily incorporated it into an adult education class, as well as a short series of talks for my church’s online ministry, and it’s ideal for small-group study. Or read it solo and lean into the sensation of your lowered internal temperature. You’ll be inspired to follow the prophets’ path forward.
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