your wounded side
"A Samaritan who was journeying along came on him and was moved to pity at the sight. He approached him and dressed his wounds." —Luke 10:33-34
We who serve Christ are not out to win man's approval (Gal 1:10). Accordingly, we win man's disapproval and even persecution, for those who pride themselves on tolerance don't tolerate Christians (see Wis 2:12ff). Therefore, as Christians, we are invariably suffering and wounded, as Jesus was.
In our woundedness, we can decide to move away from life in Christ and do the natural thing, that is, wound others, especially those who have wounded us. Or, in our woundedness, we can enter more deeply into the mystery of Christ's love. With Jesus, we can use our wounds to heal the wounded (1 Pt 2:24; see also 2 Cor 1:4ff). Like the good Samaritan, who was a victim of prejudice and hatred, we can have a heart for other victims (Lk 10:33) and pour out a dangerous, time-consuming, expensive, and sacrificial love (Lk 10:34-35).
The wounded are the great hurters and the great healers of the world. Like Jesus, let life-giving healing flow from your wounded side (see Jn 19:34).
Prayer: Father, thank You for healing through my wounds.
Promise: "The gospel I proclaimed to you is no mere human invention. I did not receive it from any man, nor was I schooled in it. It came by revelation from Jesus Christ." —Gal 1:11-12
Praise: St. John lost his life by falling victim to the very sickness that he encountered in nursing those who were plague-stricken.
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Ralph J. Lawrence, April 24, 2000
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, April 27, 2000