Transforming Wounds
TRANSFORMING WOUNDS
Jesus displays his wounds,
breathes the Spirit
and the disciples become forgivers. John 20:20-23
To become a forgiving disciple
means to become like Jesus.
For that reason
he shares his Spirit
and shares his wounds.
To be a forgiver
the disciple must know the pains of wounds,
the wounds that come from hatred, rejection,
confrontation, conflict in life’s encounters.
The forgiver must know
what it is to be wounded
before substantial forgiveness can be offered.
The forgiver must also experience
the breath of the Spirit
that fills heart and mind
to be able to utter words
that carry holy forgiveness.
As long as the disciple stays in hiding
in an effort to be free of wounds and danger
the disciple will not be a forgiver,
will not breathe the Spirit,
will have no wounds to display.
O Jesus forgive me
for the times I have preferred to hide
rather than risk my hide for others.
By your grace I will accept wounds
if only I can breathe the Spirit
to bring healing and forgiveness to others.