Shared grief shared burdens

Fr Stephen has some comments on his experience of grief on his blog

I especially appreciate the feeling of kinship among those who have experienced grief.

"I think in the same manner we can “weep with those who weep” learning that such things are not utterly private as our culture often teaches, but that the loss and suffering of one is the loss and suffering of us all. Even Christ wept over the grave of his friend Lazarus."

I noticed that those who were the most generous with their time and on target with their condolences were those who have also experienced loss of a loved one. Grief deepens your capacity for empathy, if you are centered in a life of prayer and liturgy.
Thank God for our wonderful Church, and my wonderful family and friends.