A book review submitted by Rev. Beatrice Clyburn “The Tears of Jesus” by Peter Chavier I salute the author for a remarkable work. This religious fiction absolutely touched the chords of my soul, the place where my grateful love for our Lord vibrates. The content of The tears of Jesus resonates with my life, my personal search for the true Christ and his life, my search for his heart. I found him in my own life; and yes, I found the true Christ and his church body in this volume! People devoted to Jesus are attacked by the Cross Immolation Syndrome; they destroy his cross, but not his body - which they revere- A Japanese Catholic nun starts receiving visits from Jesus himself who confides in her, “I have been misunderstood; I want you to understand my heart”. A plot unfolds in which the very core of the Christian faith is re-considered: was it God’s ultimate plan to send his beloved son to die on the Cross at Calvary to redeem the sins of mankind? I honor the author Peter Chavier and his courage for tackling such emotional subject which challenges the faith of millions of people around the world. He does it so well, that the first time I read this story I had to go online repeatedly to make sure about what was real or not. This book approaches every single topic connected with the mission of the Christ and his life on earth, including his “illegitimate” birth, his suffering youth, the disciples’ betrayal at Gethsemane, as well as how a glorious Jesus would shine at the Marriage Supper of the Lamb, and as the King of Kings. I grew up in a French Catholic family who revered the Sacred Heart of Jesus. I accompanied my devoted grandmother to pilgrimages in Paray-le- Monial and other holy shrines. The revelation of the True Heart of Jesus is presented as a modern version of the revelation of the Sacred Heart of Jesus; therefore it feels natural to me. Like Sister Theresa, I met the child Jesus in tears when I was 5 years old. One night, at Christmas time, as our family was praying around the manger, my tears started to flow, “He did not do anything wrong! Why did they kill him?” I remember vividly how my mother tried to comfort me, but to no avail. Throughout my youth church was my home. I loved Jesus with my whole heart. I wept and wept each year during the Holy week, in front of the sad fate of the One who gave his life for me. When I hit 15, after being cared for and loved by Jesus so long, the same doubts resurfaced. Did Jesus really come to die, or did he come to teach us how to love? After several years of deep questioning, lonely nights of the soul, intense search and study he lead me to crystallize my belief: he did not come to die; he came to show me how to love. As our hearts united within the sacred realm of tears, Christ called me, and I committed my life to him with burning gratitude. The main characters of this book are humble, sincere, repentful, prayerful. “I myself have not understood what Jesus has truly been feeling,” confesses a repentful Sister Teresa. I am very touched by the depth of the heart connection between Sister Theresa and her Lord. As she offers herself to a life spent in revealing his heart- whatever the cost- she feels drops of tears falling from Jesus’ eyes. “Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God!” After Jesus’ announcement of the incoming Kingdom of God on earth, Chavier brilliantly enables us to taste it as a place where people primary search for truth and lovingly act out of their conscience. The Christian clergy, unafraid to question their faith, keep it connected with Jesus’ heart. The pope, fulfilling the mission he was called for by Christ himself, witnesses to the true heart of Jesus at the risk of his life. Moved by the Pope’s courage, members of other faith traditions offer their sincere prayers. On the foundation of such committed hearts, the tears of Jesus will bring forth a miracle. As we shed the tears of Jesus this world will see its resurrection, “If you seek the heart of God and Jesus a miracle may perhaps occur. This is the way that will lead mankind to a peaceful and happy world,” affirms Pope Pax I. Could this be God’s heartfelt plea to our world in 2013?
Posted on: Tue, 30 Jul 2013 23:05:15 +0000
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