Christ the Healer

Christ the Healer

Tears of rage for the inability to heal from the outrage of a crime perpetrated.

Turned to tears of despair, hurting, burying a silent cry in the depths of memory.

Called to love, to be a bridge of contact between heaven and earth yet he, I hated.

Years holding the mistaken notion it was all my own fault, “what I came for!” Really?

Looking into eyes of indifference, that barely recognised my humanity, left me numb.

I had come to help, to offer support, in my naivety a helping hand, or so I thought.

Wondering, recriminating, asking what my motivation was, for decades struck dumb.

Attacked by a drunken wolf parading in sheep’s clothing, a lesson painfully taught.

Lost in a seminary struggling to contain anger, holding on to the Christ the Redeemer.

I realised I was not to blame, I who internally had worn the shame, was not guilty.

I found grace to carry on in the presence of the Christ the teacher, the loving healer.

My heart sang of thanksgiving for blessings given, my soul cried whatever will be will be.

A glance in the headlines of a life passing, I saw a sentence past, a prison term given.

This small man was removed from society for a little while, still radiating a firm denial.

In the cold light of morning, I resolved not to forget, as the violation is not forgiven.

I cast his face, his words, his heinous deed to history, realising finally, I am not on trial!

Fr Patrick Brennan © 2023

Finally written after 36 years.

The gospel of the storm in the lake, accompanies the journey towards eternity. Christ is the Healer of every hurt, all our brokenness, our inability to understand, our weaknesses. Christ is the author of our lives, who while at times seems to be sleeping through the trauma and the scars, is the healer, the hope and magnificence of our lives now and forever.