SUFFER THE WOUNDS by Calvin Wulf
Spiritual Journey
"Why do I have to suffer all these wounds?" As a spiritual director, I am asked this question again and again. Sometimes our journey toward Christ-likeness passes though pain hidden deep in the heart. Jesus guides us into these wounds for love.
We experience suffering along the spiritual journey as Jesus exposes deep wounds. We learn to let go or detach from the crutches we use to prop up heavy scars. Sometimes we are healed but sometimes not. Either way, the experience of our suffering makes us more complete in Christ.
I have experienced painful journeys through wounds that go back to the first years of my life. I suffered the heartaches with rivers of tears. When I had finally passed through, my heart was more tender and my soul more complete. I learned more about who I am and grew in the compassion of Christ. Are you willing to follow Jesus anywhere, even to suffer the wounds?
TAGS: Spiritual Journey, Spiritual Struggles, Spiritual Direction
Posted by Spiritual Formation House at 9/29/2009 6:00 AM 
Categories: Spiritual Journey, ALL CALVIN'S ENTRIES
Tags: Spiritual Struggles Spiritual Direction Spiritual Journey
Categories: Spiritual Journey, ALL CALVIN'S ENTRIES
Tags: Spiritual Struggles Spiritual Direction Spiritual Journey
To follow Christ is to suffer and die. So it has been said from St. Paul, to D. Bonhoeffer. My favorite name of Christ: "Man of Sorrows." He being one "...well acquainted with grief." He did not come to remove sorrow from my life anymore than it was removed from his own. He did come to save me from sin, and to remove death's sting, in conquering it. He did come to bear my suffering, or more aptly to bear it along with me; that I may know even in the darkness...he is there. I am not alone, because he IS, and I belong to him. Christ did not promise me happiness, he did promise me peace, peace that does not depend on my circumstances being trouble free. This is one of the treasures I gain for belonging to Christ...the "Lifter of my head."
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You have some wonderful observations here, Dorwin. You, yourself, are a man who would not break a bruised reed or snuff out a smoldering wick. The kingdom of heaven is within you.
Thanks,
Calvin
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