Healing Hereditary Wounds

Rev. Brandon Blacksten

Reading

I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Romans 12:1-2

Reading

One of the most startling moments in adulthood is when we open our mouths and one of our parents’ voices comes out. Whether it’s “I’m not paying to air condition the backyard” or something else, we have a tendency to repeat the things we experienced as children.

Some of these habits are endearing, some quirky, and some are even hurtful. Sadly, we often repeat the things our parents did that we said we’d never do. Our families of origin pass on much more than genes, and to paraphrase Father Richard Rohr, pain that isn’t transformed is transmitted.

This isn’t a critique of our families; it’s simply part of the human condition. Each of us is in need of healing, no matter how well-adjusted we may seem. In fact, our ability to pretend we have it all together actually makes it harder for us to experience healing. Sometimes, the show isn’t just for others—we may be hiding our wounds from ourselves and even from God.

That’s why it’s imperative that we remember church is not a gathering of perfect people. As Pastor Mark said on Sunday, “Church is like a hospital receiving people with all different stages of healing and health.” We all come seeking the healing of Jesus, the Great Physician.

If you’ve ever felt unworthy to follow Jesus, come, for the church is a community of sick people seeking the Healer. If you’ve ever despaired at the patterns that have plagued your family for generations, come, for Jesus longs to make you well. Indeed, it is for people like us that Jesus came.

Prayer

Great Physician,
Through the death and resurrection of your Son,
You initiated the healing of the world,
And through your Holy Spirit,
Your healing continues.
Help us to offer you our brokenness
And our wounds
So that we might be healed,
And so that we might partner with you
As wounded healers
For the healing of the world.
Amen.