When tears are the words of our prayers.

Sometimes the coincidence of incongruence can become a prophetic and moving glimpse into mystery.

I came across the photo below last night, while browsing the Archbishop of Canterbury's website. Two holy men, and I mean that word, stand together. They are recognised leaders of two traditions that flow from Abraham, a confluence of faiths.

Behind them the evil enigma of Auschwitz, the rail lines converging on the gate of death, and the remembered anguish of millions, beyond comprehension, but requiring to be remembered. Christian and Jew, standing together, dressed in black, their faces unable to tell the story, but etched with immense sadness.

All this I am thinking, while Johnny Cash beats out his theme song, and one of my most favourite tracks on any record, Man in Black. And just as I happen on this picture, he's singing:

"I wear it for the thousands who have died,

believing that the Lord was on their side,

I wear it for another hundred thousand who had died,

believing that we all were on their side."

And the incongruent coincidence of music, the photograph, the memories of books I've read written by these two spiritual guides of our age – too much, and I cried.

And thus prayed. Kyrie eleison.