Tears of Christ

by John Henry Newman, Christopher O. Blum (Editor)

''Jesus wept, not merely from the deep thoughts of his understanding but from spontaneous tenderness, from the goodness and mercy, the encompassing loving-kindness and exuberant affection of the Son of God for his own work, the race of man.''

This precious insight takes us to the heart of the interior life of St. John Henry Newman (1801-1890), from the treasures of which these meditations are offered as a devotional aid for the season of Lent. Drawn chiefly from his sermons and gently modernized, these meditations offer a share in the fruit of his contemplation, that we might the better enjoy with him the ''one thing which is all in all to us,'' which is ''to live in Christ's presence, to hear his voice, to see his countenance.''

Genres: Catholic, Spirituality, Nonfiction, Christian

208 pages, Paperback

Published February 14, 2020

About the author

Saint John Henry Cardinal Newman was an important figure in the religious history of England in the 19th century. He was known nationally by the mid-1830s.
Originally an evangelical Oxford University academic and priest in the Church of England, Newman then became drawn to the high-church tradition of Anglicanism. He became known as a leader of, and an able polemicist for, the Oxford Movement, an influential and controversial grouping of Anglicans who wished to return to the Church of England many Catholic beliefs and liturgical rituals from before the English Reformation. In this the movement had some success. However, in 1845 Newman, joined by some but not all of his followers, left the Church of England and his teaching post at Oxford University and was received into the Catholic Church. He was quickly ordained as a priest and continued as an influential religious leader, based in Birmingham. In 1879, he was created a cardinal by Pope Leo XIII in recognition of his services to the cause of the Catholic Church in England. He was instrumental in the founding of the Catholic University of Ireland, which evolved into University College Dublin, today the largest university in Ireland.

Newman was beatified by Pope Benedict XVI on 19 September 2010 during his visit to the United Kingdom. He was then canonised by Pope Francis on 13 October 2019.

Newman was also a literary figure of note: his major writings including the Tracts for the Times (1833–1841), his autobiography Apologia Pro Vita Sua (1865–66), the Grammar of Assent (1870), and the poem The Dream of Gerontius (1865),[6] which was set to music in 1900 by Edward Elgar. He wrote the popular hymns "Lead, Kindly Light" and "Praise to the Holiest in the Height" (taken from Gerontius).

Reviews

[Jenny Effinger]

This book has been an awesome companion during Lent. My search is now on for another daily devotional that includes St. Newman's sermons and writings. I truly enjoyed this book, and recommend to anyone. It is not too complex, and can be read by lay people such as myself. I also think it offers insights for scholars too.
While it follows Lenten themes, the content is great for any time of year.

[Nicollette Larner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a beautiful Lenten book! I was thoroughly surprised by the day to day meditations. I will definitely read again!

[Anne Wise · Rating 5 out of 5]

An accessible way to read the sermons of Saint John Henry Newman, I received a lot of blessings from these writings. It was a perfect addition to my Lenten journey.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great companion for Lent, excellently written, insightful and thought-provoking (like the similar Advent-themed collection I read several years ago, WAITING FOR CHRIST). Many thanks to the Augustine Institute & their Amen app for providing the audiobook for free for Lent, read by the editor, Christopher O. Blum.

[Emily Russell · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who is so sick of shallow devotions, this book was exactly what my heart and soul needed for lent.

[Tim Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The "Tears of Christ" is a collection of sermons by 19th century cleric, scholar, and Catholic convert, St. John Henry Newman, and serves as a rich source of spiritual reading during the season of Lent. The sermons average about two-and-a-half pages in length, and Newman fluidly references scripture throughout his writing. Reading "Tears of Christ" is a deep dive into God's infinite love and mercy. Newman reflects on everything tied to Lent; from the Crucifixion of the Son of God to measure this world to the dual nature of Christ as God and man. He not only had a body, but also a soul. And, there are great revelations about the nature of Christ in that he did not die a martyr, but more than a martyr, he died as "an atoning sacrifice." Another notable reflection is his meditation on how St. Timothy's sincere concern for the welfare of others and his abstinence from life's comforts impressed St. Paul to no end. On a higher, philosophical train of thought, Newman muses over curiosity as "the thirst for sin which is born in us, but which grace quenches." But, isn't curiosity an essential motivation for the discovery of truth and progress of science? How would Newman answer? The meanings packed into these sermons are so profound that to understand them fully warrants several, repeated readings.

[Patrick Rodda · Rating 5 out of 5]

St John Henry Cardinal Newman takes a deep journey through the scriptures to bring us ever closer to Christ as we dwell on his sufferings up until his Passion. As a Catholic Christian who has read and prayed much over my few years, this has brought me ever deeper to understanding the love of our God and worshiping him. Favourite chapter was “The Mental Sufferings of Our Lord In His Passion II”. P.S. have tissues nearby and consider Reconciliation :)

[Debra Minogue · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my second Lenten journey with these beautiful and profound reflections. To anyone looking to plunge deeper into the mysteries of God, the Incarnation, and our salvation, I cannot recommend St. John Henry Newman’s writings enough.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful devotional for Lent. Newman's writing is convicting and I was amazed at how applicable the lessons were more than a century later.