March 25, 2005

This day will have images of the crucifixion freshly placed in the mind. I am sure many will again see “The Passion of the Christ”. It is a curious thing to have so many people see or re-live a story that they already know the ending to; yet how human it is after all. Not unlike children that ask for the same story to be read to them for the thousandth time, so too we need to hear the story of our Salvation. But what a horrible story it would be if we did not know the end—if Mel Gibson did not include those thirty seconds at the end of his film—what a horrible story indeed. How important it is for us to have this fact present in our minds and hearts. To see what this is all for, not gore for the sake of gore, but Love outpoured for us. To ponder those wounds, struck out of hate, now a refuge of sinners that goes beyond death.

Most of my Christian life I have sought to be healed of my wounds – the many things I carry that I will never forget, the many things that have affected me for better or worse, the things I have yearned to be free from. I have always wanted them to stop affecting me. I have wanted to get past them – get over them. But I never have been able to. Now I see them a bit differently. Now I see them as my wounds to be worn and to be utilized all my life as a means of sanctification. Why is it that Christ’s glorified body still bore five vicious wounds? They are the perpetual seals of His love for us. What was so gruesome to behold and endure has been transformed into something sweet and everlasting. The curse has been made into a blessing, but the appearance doesn’t change – it is how the wound is worn.

Lord, help me to wear my wounds well…

Br. Agostino Miguel Torres, CFR
St. Leopold Friary, Yonkers, New York

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