They’re not worth our tears (Elder Joseph of Vatopaidi)

When we talk to people today about mourning, it seems strange to them, because they’re ashamed of crying. If we’re talking about vain, passing things, of course they’re not worth crying over. But that kind of mourning is only about social convention. Spiritual mourning has to do with our relationship with God and is the product, not so much of our own choice, but of the grace of the Holy Spirit. The sense of responsibility for our wicked deeds is such a weight in our heart that it brings about a state of deepest contrition.