Sacred Head

I had posted this a long time ago, when few of you likely read it. It seemed timely.

Several years ago, in northwestern Zambia, I was called in to see a woman who had just arrived. She was married young, and after years of abuse, left her husband. He got high, and attacked her with an axe. 7 scalp lacerations and 4 skull fractures. I stood there in shock for a minute at this magnitude of brutality, and the words we so often utter in theory, "Jesus is the answer" became foundational and existential. What do we have to offer to someone facing so much tragedy? The words of a medieval hymn came to mind. I don't know if she found what she needed. But I do think that the sufferings of Christ still serve to console in a profound way.

Blessings to your Good Friday.

Sacred Head

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O Sacred Head, now wounded,

with grief and shame bowed down

her blood is flowing freely

and pools upon the ground

you told him you were leaving

his rage like axes fell

mercy stunned and weeping

eclipsed by the cries of hell

Five years did he beat you

five years did you die

then, one night, darkness hides you

and silently you fly

Aroused, the titan's furor

burns in hot pursuit

jagged rusty fractures

mark his bride subdued

Hands of grace come near you

wiping clean your eyes

that you might see your Saviour

so swift to hear your cries

like you, his brow is wounded

his royal head so torn

so did he cry "forsaken"

by whips and nails and thorns

So lay your head, dear daughter

resting still your chin

in the strong arms of your shepherd

cry your tears on him

find solace in his sorrow

to order terrors cease

in his love find shelter

and in his scars find peace.