A hurting God

Detail of Michelangelo’s The Creation of Adam.

I remember looking at a crucifix when I was six years old. I saw a man nailed to a Cross. I’d heard my mom say He was God, and that confused me. How was this God? And now, looking back, I know for certain, had I met God in some victorious fashion, had I first been introduced to Jesus standing in some white robe outside an empty tomb, I wouldn’t have given Him another thought. Because I was hurting, seeing a hurting God drew me in. Jesus’ suffering spoke to my own. God had something to say to me.

The Cross, and Jesus on it, captured my attention.

I understand theology wants to highlight the resurrected Jesus. Knowing Jesus beat death is vital to our own triumphs. But I needed Calvary then. I needed to know my suffering wasn’t going to have the last word. I needed to know God hurts with us. I needed to take my crushed spirit, my broken heart right up to that Cross and look up. I needed to watch as Jesus took His own suffering and mine and redeemed it.

That redeeming has heft and substance. It occurred long ago, yes, but it is ongoing. It is ongoing in my life and yours. It is ongoing because we’re suffering. It is ongoing because God loves and is profoundly active right here, on the sacred ground of our lives.

Reflection

What does Jesus’ suffering have to say to our own?

Prayer

I don’t like this ground, Lord. I don’t want to be here staring at what crushes me, what crushes us. Remind me, Lord, we’re not alone on this ground. You are here, too, and suffering does not remain crushing in Your presence. It never has the last word. Amen.