Episode 2012: The Wondrous Wounds of Christ: A Call to Conversion

The Wondrous Wounds of Christ: A Call to Conversion
Welcome back to another episode of "Catholic Reboot." Today, we delve into the profound mystery of the Crucifixion, specifically the sacred wounds of Our Lord Jesus Christ. These wounds, far from being morbid reminders of suffering, are actually portals of grace, overflowing with love and offering a path to redemption.
Let’s explore this beautiful and powerful theme through the eyes of two powerful saints of the Church: St. Augustine of Hippo and Fr. Ignatius of the Side of Christ.Show more

Let's begin with a passage from St. Augustine. He said:
"As they were looking on, so we too gaze on his wounds as he hangs. We see his blood as he dies. We see the price offered by the redeemer, touch the scars of his resurrection. He bows his head, as if to kiss you. His heart is made bare open, as it were, in love to you. His arms are extended that he may embrace you. His whole body is displayed for your redemption. Ponder how great these things are. Let all this be rightly weighed in your mind: as he was once fixed to the cross in every part of his body for you, so he may now be fixed in every part of your soul."
What a powerful image! St. Augustine reminds us that Christ's wounds are not simply historical events, but a present reality open to our contemplation. By gazing upon them, we see the depth of God's love for us, a love that paid the ultimate price for our redemption.
Fr. Ignatius takes this concept even further.
But before I provide his quote let me give you some background on him?
Father Ignatius of the Side of Christ, also known as Ignatius of Santhià, was an Italian Capuchin priest and mystic. He was born on July 12, 1686, in Santhià, Piedmont, Italy, and baptized with the name Lawrence Casanova. He belonged to a devout Catholic family and from a young age displayed a strong inclination towards piety and spirituality.
At the age of 16, Lawrence joined the Capuchin Order, taking the name Ignatius. He was ordained a priest in 1710 and dedicated himself to a life of prayer, penance, and serving the poor. Ignatius was known for his deep contemplative life and his devotion to the sufferings of Christ, particularly those endured during the Passion.
Ignatius became renowned for his mystical experiences and the extraordinary graces he received. He reportedly experienced visions, ecstasies, and revelations, often focusing on the wounds of Christ. He bore the stigmata, the wounds of Christ, on his body, particularly on his hands and feet, which he concealed out of humility.
Despite his desire for a hidden life of prayer, Ignatius's reputation for holiness attracted many people seeking spiritual guidance and counsel. He became known as a spiritual director and confessor, guiding souls in their journey towards God.
Ignatius died on May 22, 1770, at the age of 83. He was beatified by Pope Pius VII in 1816, and his feast day is celebrated on May 22nd in the Catholic Church.
Throughout his life, Ignatius of the Side of Christ exemplified a profound devotion to Christ's Passion, a life of humility, and a commitment to serving others. He continues to be venerated as a saintly figure in the Catholic Church, particularly revered for his mystical experiences and his spiritual guidance to those seeking a deeper relationship with God.
Okay now you know who he was, let's hear his words:
“Jesus Christ did not think the sovereign beatitude and glory of Heaven too dearly purchased at the price of unspeakable tortures, and by suffering His sacred flesh to be mangled by nails, thorns, and scourges. Great indeed must be the value of that which cost the Son of God so dear! And yet we esteem it so little, as to be even ready to renounce our claim to it, as, in fact, so many of us do, for the sake of some wretched pleasure or despicable interest! Ye blind and deluded children of men, contemplate the Wounds of your Crucified God, and see in what manner the gates of the kingdom of glory have been opened to you! See what it has cost Him to place you in possession of it, and understand, if possible, how infinite a benefit was bestowed upon you by the Son of God when He purchased for you Heaven, which you had lost by sin! … Enter in spirit into these sacred Wounds, and you will comprehend the value and sublimity of that eternal felicity which they have acquired for you, and you will learn to detach your heart from the earth and from creatures, so as to place all your affections and desires upon Heaven.”
Fr. Ignatius challenges us to confront the shocking reality. The price of our salvation was immense, yet we often take it for granted. We chase after fleeting pleasures, neglecting the true treasure offered through Christ's sacrifice.
He doesn't stop there. He urges us to:
"Enter in spirit into these sacred Wounds, and you will comprehend the value and sublimity of that eternal felicity which they have acquired for you, and you will learn to detach your heart from the earth and from creatures, so as to place all your affections and desires upon Heaven."
A powerful call to conversion! By entering into Christ's wounds in spirit, we can begin to grasp the true value of the gift we've been given. This understanding should lead us to detach from earthly desires and set our hearts firmly on the heavenly kingdom.
But let me finish this episode with a scripture reading:
Philippians 2:5-11
"Have among yourselves the same attitude that is also yours in Christ Jesus, Who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God something to be grasped. Rather, he emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, coming in human likeness; and found human in appearance, he humbled himself, becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross. Because of this, God greatly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, of those in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."
Lets break this down from a traditional Catholic interpretation:
Christ's Humility and Obedience: This passage emphasizes the humility and obedience of Jesus Christ. Despite being in the form of God, Jesus chose to empty Himself and take on human form, willingly becoming obedient to the Father's will even to the point of death on the cross. This act of self-emptying, or kenosis, is central to understanding Christ's redemptive mission according to traditional Catholic theology.
Exaltation by God: The passage highlights the divine response to Christ's obedience and humility. God exalted Jesus above all, bestowing upon Him a name that is above every name. This exaltation signifies Jesus' victory over sin and death through His sacrificial death and resurrection. It also affirms Jesus' divine nature and his rightful place as Lord and Savior.
Universal Lordship of Christ: The passage concludes with the proclamation that every knee should bend and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. This declaration of Jesus' universal lordship emphasizes the authority and sovereignty of Christ over all creation, both heavenly and earthly. It underscores the belief in Jesus as the one true mediator between God and humanity, through whom salvation is attained.
In summary, Philippians 2:5-11, presents Jesus Christ as the supreme example of humility and obedience, whose sacrificial death and subsequent exaltation demonstrate His divine nature and universal lordship. It invites believers to emulate Christ's attitude of humility and submission to God's will in their own lives
My intention in presenting this episode is to provide a reminder on this Good Friday that the wounds of Christ are not just symbols of suffering, but of immense love, sacrifice, and the path to redemption. Let us contemplate these wounds with gratitude and allow them to transform our hearts. Through this understanding on Good Friday and through the words of Padre Pio “"May the Crucified Christ strengthen you in your sufferings and lead you closer to Him." Have a beautiful Good Friday and keep me in your prayers as I will you.