The Tears of Things

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. 

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)