"Weary" | Reflection by Barbara Jarry

The Old English word for “weary” is werig or worian, meaning to crumble, breakdown. This Pandemic year can be aptly described as the land of the “weary.” Our personal stories of suffering, as well as collective worldwide images of pain are so raw and tangible.

Also, coupled with these narratives are experiences and images of generous and compassionate outreach and love.

Today we enter the Heart of Holy Week - Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter. Our stories of brokenness and care can be found in the heart of this final journey of Jesus. On this night before Jesus died, his weariness and selfless love were palpable. He shared a final meal with his disciples, washed their feet, as a gesture of service, and shared with them - beautiful and powerful messages of love.  

“Love one another, as I have loved you. I will not leave you orphaned.”

(The “Farewell Discourse,” John Chapters 13-17)

Author, Cynthia Bourgeault writes: “Jesus will allow no separation between God and humans; he imparts to them his assurance that they can never be cut off from that love, because their very beings are rooted in it.”

Jesus gives love, and receives love.

On Good Friday we witness the broken, weary Jesus being helped by Simon the Cyrene who carries his cross - a powerful image of “bearing one another’s burdens.” This leads me to ask: who have been the Simon’s for me in my “weary” land? Have I been Simon for others?

And we witness other companions of Jesus staying with him, as he dies. But as we know, death does not have the final say. We will celebrate the glorious feast of Easter. The Risen Christ brings healing and the hope of new life to those who are weary.

Rooted in love, we will have the strength to bear one another’s burdens. And as we move forward, may it be etched in our hearts that “love never ends.” (1 Cor. 13)

Words in the Wilderness - Walk through the season of Lent with Trinity, one word at a time. Every day (except on Sundays) we will post a photo and a brief refection written by someone in our Trinity community. https://www.trinitynewhaven.org/words-in-the-wilderness