Tonight I had the opportunity to attend a wonderful – albeit somewhat disturbing – lecture. The lecturer spoke with great knowledge and sensitivity about those whom she helps. They are individuals who are deeply suffering as a result of various traumas and life experiences. In particular, those who have had their orientation in life shaken to the core due to these traumas.
I couldn’t help but reflect a bit on how right now, just a few weeks from Holy Week, Christians all over the world are pondering again the suffering of Christ.
Scripture speaks of how Christ, the Suffering Servant, took upon himself the deepest of pains, the most horrible abuse and the most intense humiliation, because “God so loved the world….”
It is the most poignant of stories.
Perhaps, as we walk this year’s Lenten journey, we can look again at those around us who may be suffering in ways we can hardly imagine – who have had their own moral injuries that are so deep – they are wounded more than we know.
Perhaps, in the spirit of Christ’s love, we can be sensitive to them – and listen in new ways to their stories.
It will not take away their pain but it may be a small, healing balm that – by God’s grace – may help them along their way.
