Wounds in Life

"Each of us has wounds in life. Just look at the wounds of Jesus—they are reminders that you are not alone, and that you are deeply loved by God."

Lately, I’ve been feeling so down and alone.

It’s been almost a year since I lost the bond I once had with my closest friends. I failed two subjects during the second semester and now I’m retaking them this Summer. Our scholarship was discontinued due to issues with the foundation. And above all, I’ve been feeling isolated—emotionally and spiritually.

Last night was one of the loneliest nights I’ve ever had. All the pain, the sadness, the thoughts I tried to suppress, came rushing in all at once. I’ve been trying to focus on school this Summer, thinking I can set my problems aside for now—but they keep creeping in.

I miss my friends.

I miss how, even when I tried to push them away, they would still be there. How they just knew when something was wrong, even if I didn’t say a word. They never needed an explanation. They simply did everything they could to make me smile again. And if I couldn’t, they’d hug me and say, “Share it when you’re ready—we’re here.”

I was so lucky to have them. But somehow, along the way, life created a gap between us. And now I find myself missing the old us—the kind of friendship that was rare and real.

Being sentimental by nature, I can’t help but feel things more deeply. So when loneliness strikes, it hits hard.

Today is Thursday. I attended the Novena Mass to St. Jude, as I often do. The Gospel was about Jesus’ appearance to His disciples. At first, the apostles couldn’t believe their eyes. Sensing their fear and doubt, Jesus said, “Do not be afraid. I am alive. Look at my hands and feet. Touch me and see for yourselves.”

The disciples saw Him—wounded, yes, but alive.

In his homily, Fr. Joseph Salando spoke about the wounds we carry—emotional, spiritual, physical. He reminded us that while most of us try to hide our wounds out of shame or pain, Jesus did not. He showed His wounds proudly—not as scars of defeat, but as symbols of His love. His wounds are proof that we are never alone, that He walks with us, even in suffering.

That moment struck me deeply.

I realized that even in my pain, even in my moments of feeling forgotten, God is with me. I no longer want to dwell in sadness over the friends I’ve lost. I still have a few genuine ones left. I have my family. And most importantly, I have God, who will never leave me.

Fr. Joseph also shared the story of Jessica Cox, a remarkable woman born without arms due to a rare condition. Despite her physical "wounds," she learned to adapt—driving, typing, even flying a plane. She chose to live fully and joyfully. If someone like Jessica can do that, why can’t we, with all our blessings, find strength in our own struggles?

That reflection changed something in me.

I now understand that happiness is a choice. That no matter how deep our wounds are, we can always choose to get up, heal, and move forward—with God by our side.

Fr. Joseph ended with these powerful words:
“Each of us has wounds in life. Just look at the wounds of Jesus—they will remind you that you are not alone, and that you are loved by God.”