January 26, 2025 - INSCRIPTIONS FROM THE HEART

Ptr. Immanuel Garcera

Hurt People, Hurt People. 

I had a friend once while working at Hope Mission who responded to an emergency where one of our clients, a homeless person, was overdosing outside of the building during a routine perimeter check. Recognizing that the person was overdosing on opioids, they quickly called in to the staff to bring a Narcan kit which reverses the effects of an opioid overdose almost instantly.  

The ideal scenario is that after administering Narcan, the client would have recovered and expressed their gratitude with a hug or a hand-shake. However, in reality, the client regained consciousness in a rage, attacked my friend, and gave him a concussion, requiring a week off of work. There’s a lesson here, and that is: hurt people, hurt people.  

Those struggling with sin and addictions that lead to self-destructive behaviours often hurt others as well. As Jesus said, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners." (Mark 2:17) We also have to be mindful of those we serve. While my friend's experience was extreme, there are many others who serve and take on others' pain, leading to burnout and even depression. 

Church, in our efforts to help hurting, sinful people like us, let’s be reminded to lead them to Jesus. He can heal and He can carry our burdens. Let’s be ready also to experience some bumps and bruises along the way, whether physically, emotionally, or mentally remembering we can come to Jesus for renewal to continue the work He’s given to us. The work is worth it for the one who commissioned us is worthy! 
 
To God be the glory!