The Tears of Things
Prophetic Wisdom for an Age of Outrage
In his first major work since The Universal Christ, New York Times bestselling author Richard Rohr offers a wholehearted and hope-filled model for the world today, grounded in the timeless wisdom of the Hebrew prophets.
Watch the Trailer
The Tears of Things will be released March 4, 2025.
How do we live compassionately in a time of violence and despair? What can we do with our private disappointments and the anger we feel in such an unjust world? In his most personal book yet, Richard Rohr turns to the writings of the Jewish prophets, revealing how some of the lesser-read books of the Bible offer us a crucial path forward today. Drawing on a century of biblical scholarship, The Tears of Things breathes new life into ancient wisdom, paving a path of enlightenment for anyone seeking a way of compassionate living in a hurting world.
Praise for The Tears of Things
“Richard Rohr is a long-running, reliable and wise counselor to many of us and a transformative pastor and teacher. In his new study he considers the prophetic corpus of the Old Testament and its continuing pertinence for us. His “theme of themes” is that mature prophecy is not marked by anger and indignation, but by love and compassion filtered through suffering and tears. Rohr brings to his study his long, discerning reflection, his immense pastoral sensibility, and his capacity for close reading. His book is a welcome entry point for us into an urgent biblical trajectory.”
—Walter Brueggemann, Columbia Theological Seminary
“Richard Rohr is one of the great Christian spiritual masters of our time. Of any time. He is the kind of thinker that not only changes minds and hearts, but changes lives.”
—James Martin, SJ, author of “Come Forth”
“Rohr brings the voices of the biblical prophets to life, offering a timely and transformative message about the pain and beauty of our shared humanity. This book is a beacon of light for anyone seeking solace and understanding in uncertain times.”
—Kirsten Powers, author of “Saving Grace”
“In a world that can feel like a house on fire, Richard Rohr’s The Tears of Things is a much-needed roadmap to wisdom and higher—more hopeful—ground.”
—Pete Holmes, Comedian, host “You Made it Weird”
The Path of the Prophet
For more than 50 years, Franciscan Friar Richard Rohr has illuminated the spiritual path with his teachings on incarnational mysticism, nondual consciousness, and contemplation—always with a deep commitment to transforming the world through love and justice.
The Tears of Things is his most profound work, the culmination of a life fully lived. Drawing from his own journey through anger, sadness, and into love, Richard Rohr offers a deeply personal and universal message. Seamlessly weaving ancient wisdom with modern insight, this book invites readers to integrate action and contemplation in a vibrant and compassionate tradition of contemplative Christianity.
A Living Tradition
Discover the prophets featured in Richard Rohr’s The Tears of Things, along side modern prophetic voices. Encounter those whose wisdom and actions shaped their world and continue to call us toward deeper transformation.
Amos
A shepherd and prophet who called Israel to justice and righteousness, Amos condemned social inequality and oppression. He emphasized that God values integrity over ritual observance.
Elijah
A powerful prophet who opposed Israel’s idolatry under King Ahab. He confronted false prophets, performed healings, and called Israel to return to worshipping God alone.
Jonah
A reluctant prophet who tried to flee God’s command, Jonah was swallowed by a giant fish. His message to Nineveh led to repentance, revealing God’s mercy even to foreign nations.
Isaiah
A prophet of royal lineage who proclaimed messages of both judgment and hope. Isaiah foretold Israel’s restoration and the coming of a messianic age marked by peace and justice.
Jeremiah
Known as the “weeping prophet,” Jeremiah warned Jerusalem of impending destruction. Despite rejection, he faithfully preached repentance and shared a vision of a new covenant with God.
Ezekiel
A prophet during the Babylonian exile, Ezekiel used symbolic acts and vivid visions to call for Israel’s spiritual renewal. His prophecies included the restoration of Israel and a renewed temple.
Jesus of Nazareth
A profound teacher who preached love, forgiveness, and the coming Kingdom of God. Known for his parables, miracles, and compassion, Jesus challenged social norms and religious hypocrisy, inspiring a radical movement of faith and love.
Dorothy Day (1897–1980)
Activist and co-founder of the Catholic Worker Movement, Day dedicated her life to serving the poor and advocating for workers’ rights. Her life of radical hospitality and nonviolence embodies Catholic social teachings.
Thurgood Marshall (1908–1993)
First African American Supreme Court Justice, Marshall fought racial segregation and defended civil rights. His pivotal work on Brown v. Board of Education transformed American society, advancing equality and justice for marginalized communities.
Etty Hillesum (1914-1943)
Dutch writer and Holocaust victim, Hillesum’s diaries reveal profound spiritual insight, resilience, and compassion. Amid Nazi persecution, she found inner peace and advocated love, even in the face of immense suffering.
Thomas Merton (1915–1968)
Trappist monk, poet, and social critic, Merton explored spirituality, social justice, and interfaith dialogue. His writings, blending mysticism with social consciousness, inspired a generation to seek peace and inner transformation.
Fannie Lou Hamer (1917–1977)
Civil rights activist and grassroots organizer, Hamer fought for voting rights and racial justice. Her courage and powerful voice inspired a nation to confront systemic oppression and pursue equality for all.
Thich Nhat Hanh (1926–2022)
Vietnamese Zen master, poet, and peace activist, Thich Nhat Hanh advocated mindfulness, compassion, and nonviolence. His teachings on “engaged Buddhism” emphasize living mindfully to create peace and understanding in the world.
Martin Luther King, Jr. (1929–1968)
Civil rights leader and Baptist minister, King championed racial equality, nonviolent resistance, and social justice. His powerful speeches, including “I Have a Dream,” continue to inspire movements for peace and human rights.
Joanna Macy (1929 – )
Eco-philosopher and activist, Macy champions environmental sustainability and the “Work That Reconnects,” blending spirituality and science to address ecological crises while inspiring resilience and collective action for a sustainable future.
Free Reader’s Guide
Receive a FREE Reader’s Guide When You Order The Tears of Things
Reframe your faith by encountering the Hebrew prophets in a new and relevant way with The Tears of Things Reader’s Guide. This digital guide (downloadable PDF) comes free with every order. Grow your contemplative practice while exploring paradoxical concepts from scriptures, such as collective evil, systemic injustice, and the “alchemy of tears.” Fill out this form to download your complimentary copy.
Exploring the Prophetic Path
From sacred criticism to public lament, these short videos explore some of the themes from The Tears of Things.
Richard Rohr on The Tears of Things
How did the name The Tears of Things come about and why is this ancient wisdom critical for us to embody today? Watch and learn in this dynamic interview with Richard Rohr at the 2024 Greenbelt Festival. (60 minutes)
Richard Rohr on Becoming Prophets of Love
When religion fails to meet our great crises and injustices, Richard Rohr reveals how God calls us to be prophets of Divine Love. (7 minutes)
Dr. Barbara Holmes on Prophetic Solidarity
While injustice can seem insurmountable, Dr. Barbara Holmes reminds us that solidarity on the prophetic path is not a choice, it’s a calling. (3 minutes)
Brian McLaren on Transformative Lamentation
Standing at the “edge of the inside,” Brian McLaren uses prophetic poetry to find hope by learning to bear reality together. (6 minutes)
Noé Barnett on Embracing our Enduring Creativity
Learn more about Noé Barnett, the Albuquerque-based artist featured in the book trailer for The Tears of Things. (3 minutes)
Awaken the Prophet Within | A Lectio Divina Practice
Engage in Lectio Divina, a sacred reading practice of prayerful reflection, inspired by The Tears of Things. (8 minutes.)
The Tears of Things: Integrating the Prophetic Path
Transform anger into compassion in this online course that explores the path of the prophet, based on Richard Rohr’s bestselling book, “The Tears of Things.”
About Richard Rohr
Richard Rohr is a globally recognized Franciscan friar and ecumenical teacher whose work bears witness to the deep wisdom of Christian mysticism. He is the founder of the Center for Action and Contemplation in Albuquerque, New Mexico, an educational nonprofit that introduces spiritual seekers to the Christian contemplative path of transformation. He is the author of many books, including the New York Times bestseller The Universal Christ, Falling Upward, and Breathing Under Water. His work has been featured on Oprah’s SuperSoul Sunday, Krista Tippett’s On Being, and in The New Yorker and Harper’s Magazine.
You can listen to him on CAC’s podcasts Everything Belongs and Another Name for Everything. You can also find him on X (formerly Twitter) at @RichardRohrOFM.
The Center for Action and Contemplation
Transforming Ourselves, Each Other, and the World
Richard Rohr founded the Center for Action and Contemplation (CAC) to support his vision of transformed people working together for a more loving, just, and connected world.
Located in Albuquerque, NM, the CAC serves as a gateway to spiritual development by offering seekers an introduction to the wisdom and practices of the Christian contemplative traditions. Our programs and resources are designed to provide spiritual guidance in support of inner and outer transformation. When we apply this wisdom in practical ways, we discover healing and are empowered to become instruments for love and positive change.
By carrying forward Richard’s founding vision, we believe the CAC can become a catalyzing force for change of consciousness inside Christianity and each of our communities. This work invites each of us to play a part—a whole body, a whole community, a whole movement of people grounded in shared vision, values, and an experiential knowing of God’s presence in our life showing up in the world together.
Learn more at cac.org and help co-create a world where everything belongs.
Wherever you are on your spiritual journey—that’s where God is.
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