wounds

Opening Prayer: Lord Jesus, by your wounds we are healed.  Thank you for your willingness to be wounded, in order that you might raise our woundedness to new life, and make us a source of healing for others.  Give us the courage to go there this day.  Amen.

Scripture: Isaiah 53:4-5

Journal: How have the wounds of Christ healed you?  How are they healing you still?  What are your deepest wounds right now?  How is Jesus longing to heal those in order to make them a source of life to others?

Reflection: Nobody escapes being wounded.  We are all wounded people, whether physically, emotionally, mentally, or spiritually.  The main question is not “How can we hide our wounds?” so we don’t have to be embarrassed but “How can we put our woundedness in the service of others?”  When our wounds cease being a source of shame and become a source of healing, we have become wounded healers.

     Jesus is God’s wounded healer: Through his wounds we are healed.  Jesus’ suffering and death brought joy and life.  His humiliation brought glory; his rejection brought a community of love.  As followers of Jesus we can also allow our wounds to bring healing to others. (Bread for the Journey by Henri J. M. Nouwen)

Prayer

Closing Prayer: Lord Jesus, help us to give our deepest wounds and sorrows to you this day; that you might heal and restore us, and use us for the healing and restoration of others.  Amen.