Repair

Cat-e-che-sis. It’s a Greek word meaning “to echo down” or “to resound.”

There’s another word stemming from Greek terminology: Trauma, which literally means “wound.” It was originally used to describe injuries incurred when the protective armor of soldiers was pierced. Up until the 19th century, trauma only applied to physical experiences, but in modern times it has made the leap into describing emotional and psychological harm. The metaphors here are endless. Suffice it to say, trauma occurs when our physical, psychological, or emotional armor has been breached.

Wounds and rupture. What do they have in common? What do they have to do with repair? When are we going to start talking about catechesis!?

Although wounds and rupture signify much the same thing, there is one interesting distinction: Wounds typically refer to an external force cutting or piercing inward, whereas rupture often refers to an internal source bursting outward. Trauma may be said to personify both: an external breach, be it a single event or long term in duration, is always accompanied by internal shattering. This again, is good news, or it can be.

I have yet to encounter something on the micro level, that doesn’t also manifest at the mezzo and macro levels as well. And up and down the spiral we go. Salvation history begins with a wound in a man and woman, moving onto wounds in a family, to tribes, then nations, and finally to the wound that not only all of humanity, but all of creation (Romans 8:19-23) groans in anticipation of being healed. This is the great hope and restoration, repair and liberation that we, in all levels of existence and experience, long for.

Yet, the work of repair, just like the work of salvation, begins with all things unexpected and even repulsive and dirty to our human senses: a wound, a deep, festering, incurable wound. It is only when we experience the hopelessness and desperation of our power or resources over this wound, that the catechesis of repair and healing may resoundingly be echoed down. In the Catholic tradition, the catechesis of repair leads us to and leaves us with one simple thing: an encounter with someone who can actually do something about our pain and longing. As Richard Roar said, “I suspect that was the crowds that followed Jesus. They had nothing left except to ask for healing” (Brown, 2022, 14:8). Therefore, the catechesis of repair must begin with not only a wound, but with the felt desperation, confusion, and hopelessness it brings. This is the beginning of the good news: a breakdown. It’s the sacred place where all healing begins. The best news about most spiritual lineages (Shamanism, Judaism, Buddhism, Greek Mythology, Christianity) is that they begin with the power of the wound. It is only through this catalyst that the action of repair and healing occurs. Let’s begin.

Note: The author is not endorsing any spiritual authors or theologians in her work. She is merely drawing upon the rich and varied history of thought and insight such people offer.

Reference

Brown, B. (Host). (2022, April 20). Spirituality, certitude, and infinite love, part 2 of 2 [Audio podcast episode]. In Unlocking Us with Brené Brown. Spotify Studios. spotify.com