Adam Kelchner

Within the first fifteen minutes on the job I had come into contact with a piece of tin roofing that left a gash on my wrist, I had signed up to provide material help and be an expression of love. I did not think I had signed up to jeopardize life and limb. I still have a small scar on my wrist and it serves as a reminder of the wonderful week spent in the ministry of love.

The little lesson I learned that morning is that love can hurt. Being an expression of love brings vulnerability, physical and spiritual danger; and it may leave us wounded. Love is not always as nice as red roses and cut-out hearts. It can be complicated and messy; love urges us to give more of ourselves than we may want to give to others.

From a profound and mystical love, Jesus Christ undertook the passion and suffering that was before him. Hung on a tree to die a criminal’s death, he took our wounds and pain as his own, so that we may have life. On Easter morning, we can look at the scars on his wrists and know that we are deeply loved.