Through simple exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, a reading from 1 Corinthians 11:23-29, a brief reflection, and prayerful silence, we, the members of Christ's broken body, offered our prayers for healing for those members of the Body who were violated, sexually abused by clergy, and disregarded by ecclesiastical leaders.
The most profound moment in prayer for me came near the end of this time in silence. I recall looking around our spacious worship site. Though few members of the Body were present, what I did notice nevertheless filled me with great hope:
I noticed three married couples, spanning ten to fifty years together.
I noticed several religious sisters, most with eyes closed in silent prayer.
I noticed the shrill laugh and scream of a young child echo through the church.
I noticed the tears on the cheeks of an older member of our community.
I noticed the Episcopalian priest and her intent gaze at the Eucharist.
I noticed the languages of Spanish and English spoken in the peoples' prayers.
I noticed that the Body of Christ, though broken, is still here.
Yes, we are the Broken Body of Christ. We continue to pray for the victims of child sexual abuse and betrayal. We pray for justice for the survivors of abuse and we pray for authentic reform of those structures that allowed this to happen. We pray that this Broken Body might one day be made whole again.
Christ is still here in this Broken Body. And this gives me hope.
