THEOSISJerome of Stridon
I find it impossible to adequately express the wonders contained in Scripture, or to fully appreciate the profound significance of even the simplest phrases. For example, we learn that Moses was mourned; however, in the account of Jesus' burial, there is no mention of sorrow. The reason is clear: under Moses, representing the old covenant, all humanity was bound by the judgment resulting from Adam's transgression, and those who descended into the realm of the dead were justly accompanied by tears. As the apostle states, Death reigned from Adam until Moses, even over those who did not sin (Rom. 5:14). But with Jesus, who brought forth the good news and opened the gates of paradise for us, death is not marked by grief but rather by joy.
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Today, the Jewish people continue to mourn, removing their shoes and dusting ashes on their heads. To avoid any misunderstanding regarding superstition, they carry on the misguided customs of the Pharisees, consuming lentils to symbolize the birthright they forfeited (see Genesis 25:34). While their mourning is fitting, as they do not believe in the resurrection of the Lord and instead prepare for the arrival of the Antichrist, we who have embraced Christ (Gal. 3:27) are part of a chosen generation, a royal priesthood (1 Pet. 2:9); therefore, we should not grieve for the deceased.