Chapter 37: Frailty Trembles

split the atom of fear

Human weakness seduces us to fear. We cannot control fear, so instead we react – by avoiding it, indulging in it, being humbled by it, attempting to defy it. We clench, addict, claim victim, stop believing, abandon ourselves and God.

split

We each perceive fear according to our unique weaknesses. We face the cruel loss of a loved one, suffer to conquer an insidious addiction, are imprisoned by intolerable pain or debilitating disease.

split

Human frailty is predetermined and necessary. Accepting frailty is a requirement for transcending. Christ teaches us in the serene image of suffering He imbued upon the Shroud as His body accepted human death and was released into the new life of the resurrection.

split

The faint and frail image that rests on top of the fibrils mirrors our tenuous nature. The marks of suffering, our fear personified. His calm expression, our salvation assured.

split

And then the unsolvable mystery. No one comprehending the true origin of particles binding the image. We reach out to clench hope and possess resurrection. Answers vanish.

split

the atom of fear
disintegrates
the faint image
dusts
our surfaces of surrender

we collapse by design
into the Divine
where human mirrors God
and frailty trembles