Only Love

Only love, only love can leave such a mark. But only love, only love, can heal such a scar.--Bono, from the song "Magnificent"

 

St. John of the Cross must be on Bono's reading list. He took this from Spain's most famous poet. To be wounded by the Beloved is to be wounded by love. His love is both the thing that wounds us and the thing that heals us. By His wounds we are healed. We have heard people use this verse to suggest that because Jesus was wounded we won't be. This is a very shallow interpretation. St. Paul makes it clear  existentially, as well as with his words, that to follow Jesus is to share in His suffering. And in this we make up what is lacking in the sufferings of Christ. (Col. 1:24, His words not mine) When we suffer various trials, as St. Peter says we will, we can be confident that the wounds are for our sanctification. Our sanctification comes through Jesus' suffering, and because we are children and no longer slaves, we get to participate in all God is doing in us, through Christ, for His good pleasure. Cheers!

 

wkm