the spirit of the wounded christ

Very recently I was injured. I saw my bone and ligaments exposed in my own body. After having a few sec look the doctor in the ER moved me super quickly for examination. I had a wound with 14 stitches in a tender spot (lower leg) which limited my mobility for some time.

Wound bleeds, requires antiseptic environment, tender care. When you are wounded, the whole body is on the alert. Pain is not contained in a localized space. In case of laceration, as was mine, stitches are required for the wound to heal. It’s temporary help to keep the edges of the wound together so it can start healing. Wounds are painful and they affect the whole person.

After initial few days, a scab will start forming. It’s a protective tissue where blood coagulates and keeps the wound safe. It itches and you want to scratch it. But scratching it would yank the scab and bleeding would occur again. You have to resist scratching. Scab pulls the skin around so the usual mobility is not there yet. You can not bathe for a while, you need to keep it dry. There is danger of infection. Aggravated or not properly healed wound might get infected.

Scabs are protective means that will form to protect the wound. Scab should fell off on its own once the body decides the wound is not endangered.

Scar. After that scab falls off, the scar is 30% weaker than normal tissue around; It will get sunburn quicker. It will never regains full strength and stability (Jacob turned to Israel had a limp)

Scars are reminders. They need to be treated more gently but you can function with them as before. Some scars pull or tighten with weather or age.

For a long time I thought of healing as in wound - scab - scar paradigm. But then I realized that just Jesus’ crucified presence changes the weight of the suffering and heals the wound. And now I think that we don’t need to wait for scabs and scars to declare healing. We can be made whole with our wounds immersed in the peace of Christ.

There is a devotion to the wounds of Christ, emerging from Peters’ reminder, “By His wounds we are healed”.( 1 P 2:24). Paschal candle in every church has 5 incense nails reminding us all year round of Jesus’ wounds. And the flag of Portugal has marks of five wounds. I’m not into pieties. When I hear that hymn ‘O Sacred Head’ I cringe. When I think that people pray chaplets to the Wounds of Jesus, I also cringe. Not my thing. But the Word of God is my thing.

Jesus shows wounds to Thomas. Why not scans or scars? He says, put your finger INTO my side.

Jesus without wounds is not Jesus. His wounds are open, visible yet He imparts peace into his disciples.

You can live fully in the glory of a child of God with open wounds as long as your heart is dipped in peace. You can show your open wounds to others who will want to see how are you coping, are you healed, are you thriving, are you ok.

Wholeness is not about not being wounded. It’s about living in peace, with your wounds not disturbing your life. With your wounds exposed to those you trust. With your wounds testifying that giving up is not a remedy, coping is not enough, and acceptance is ok but using your wounds as a witness of living on a level of hope is what’s it all about. Wounds are marks of trials. Peace is a seal of Jesus’ presence. Your wounds transformed are glorified in Love.

Is t it amazing that Thomas expected Jesus resurrected to have marks of His wounds?

Jesus returned to the Father wounded. The Spirit of the Wounded and Glorious Christ lives in you. You are being healed by His Wounds manifesting peace within you.

#lectiodivina John 20:19-31