O Wounded Jesus

O Wounded Jesus
hanging suspended on a cross
whipped
bleeding
struggling to breathe
abandoned, rejected, forsaken
confused
bewildered
alone
yet
loving
loving the man who nailed your wrists and feet to the wood
loving the man who pressed a crown of thorns into your brow
loving the ones who ridicule you and mock you
loving
loving the women who stand at your feet in unconsoleable anguish
loving your mother whose own heart is pierced with pain
loving me
loving
forgiving
reconciling

help me

help me, wounded me
I can not love those who afflict me
I can not love those who abandon and forsake me
I can not love those who injure me day and night
help me, wounded me
I can not forgive
I can not forgive
I can not forgive

O Wounded Jesus
hanging suspended on a cross
show me your love
help me forgive
help me love

help me, wounded me


November 6, 2008

Image: Marc Chagall, White Crucifixion