Held
I was called
to bring the Sacrament
to a woman in fear
with a nurse as chaperone
who earlier had guided her
to the Hospital Chapel
for fear of meeting a man
fear triggered
by the gravity of past abuse.
The Sacrament of the presence
of Jesus abused
received
tentatively I said
“Shall we shake hands?”
She looked down
said nothing
I turned to leave.
With my back turned
I heard the nurse
“She's holding out her hand
she wants you to shake it.”
Her hand was trembling
I held it very lightly
very briefly.
To the nurse she said
in amazement
“I've shaken a man's hand!
I've shaken a man's hand!”
Praise be to God
for a sacrament with healing.
A strong and privileged memory from 25 years ago.
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