The hurt of abuse is healed in our room of tears
The Universe
(April 18, 2004)
CHRISTIANS are called to be healers, supporters and friends who can quickly recognize the suffering of others and respond with love and care, comfort and affirmation.
When we see and hear that another is grieving, in pain from emotional hurt, or sickness we ought to be there at their side. We ought to see in their wounds and hurt the wounds of the risen Lord as he showed them to doubting Thomas.
To be unmoved, silent, unbelieving before the suffering of others means that we desperately need the Spirit to fill us with compassion and love, Perhaps we have been wounded ourselves and love is paralyzed within us, compassion is dead and we are in need of resurrection. But if we respond with concern, empathy, solidarity and love we are already one with the Risen Lord and filled with his spirit.
Here at the PREDAšs childrenšs home dozens of abused and hurt children come for refuge, protection and healing. They cry out their heart again and again in the soundproofed therapy room while punching and beating the padded walls and floor in a frenzy of anger.
They have been beaten and betrayed by their own parents, relatives, neighbors, religion and community. They have been neglected, physically and sexually abused, rejected and cursed for being born.
Their physical and emotional wounds are caused by the sins of others and they are filled with anger, hatred and desire revenge. No one would listen to and save them when they were being abused.
In the Philippine resort town of Puerto Galera on Mindoro Island, we discovered 25 children and perhaps many more as young as eight continuously sexually abused by foreign paedophile sex tourists. The government, busy protecting their image and the sex industry, does little to rescue them. They need protective custody, therapy and their abusers must be brought to justice.
The Room of tears is where we can see the damage and effects of such heinous crimes. There, burdens are lifted, there is help, comfort, support affirmation and healing. The anger is spent, their hatred is gone and eventually the pain subsides and they are at peace with themselves and the world.
They can then find the strength to get justice and to help others. It is then that forgiveness is possible and finally healing takes place and the child can be whole again. By following the example of Christ and never giving into despair, we can overcome the hardships and pain inflicted on us by others.
Yes the scripture tells the truth - “by His wounds we are healed”.
Fr. Shay Cullen is a Columban missionary: PREDA Centre, Kalaklan, Olongapo City. www.preda.org
