And then... I remember how Jesus presented Himself to the scared Apostles right after His resurrection.
According to the Gospel of John He showed Himself twice to them: once when Thomas was not with the rest of the gang, then once again while he was there. (John 20: 19-29)
In both occasions Jesus did something that reminded me of when I went to visit my stepfather at the hospital where he was recovering from surgery. He wanted everyone that came to visit to see his wound. Why? Why is it that people that have undergone surgery want to show you the stitched-up wound?
Well Jesus did exactly the same! He showed them - twice - His pierced hands, feet and torso. He even asks Thomas to put his fingers on His wounds!!
It seems to me that this is a very human reaction. I imagine how proud someone would feel after going through the trials of surgery and coming out victorious on the other end.
In Jesus' case, I don't think it was a matter of pride but another way for Him to show how human He is. He indeed took on the human experience and, on our behalf, died in the Cross taking our sins with Him.
Jesus, by coming back to us with His wounds is telling us - giving us permission - to present ourselves to Him with all our scars, wounds, and stains. He takes us and loves us just as we are.
So do not stay away because of how unfit you feel. What better way to return than presenting yourself to Him? Show Him your wounds and let Him reconcile you into Himself. You will then be nourished by His precious Blood and Body that heals every wound.
"A small step in the midst of great human limitations can be more pleasing to God than a life which outwardly appears in order and passes the day without confronting great difficulties. Everyone needs to be touched by the comfort and attraction of God's saving love, which is mysteriously at work in each person, above and beyond their faults and failings." (Gaudium Evangelii, 44, emphasis mine)
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