The Kicking Patient

One day, Dr. Matthew was treating a man with a badly broken leg. The patient writhed in pain, and the moment the doctor touched the wound, he screamed, “You fool! You’re killing me!” In his agony, he slapped the instrument out of the doctor’s hand.

Unmoved, Dr. Matthew quietly picked it up and continued tightening the bandage while the man cursed and kicked at him.

After a while, when the pain had eased a little, the embarrassed patient muttered, “Doctor, how do you not get angry? Why do you keep helping me after I hurt you?”

The doctor smiled gently and replied, “Because your pain shouts louder than your manners. My duty is to listen to your pain, not your insults. I’m not here to be loved, I’m here to heal.”

This story of the doctor illustrates the power of seeing past outward anger to inner pain. Just as Dr. Matthew, motivated by duty, endures curses and blows to bring healing, we are prompted to consider our own calling. How much more should we, as disciples of Christ, endure insults and hurts for the sake of love? If a doctor knows his duty is to heal, regardless of a patient’s anger, how much more are Christians called to forgive and love, even when others hurt us?

Understanding Wounded Hearts

Every human heart carries invisible scars and wounds of loss, betrayal, insecurity, trauma, and more. When these wounds are touched, people often react harshly. They may insult, accuse, or reject us, because they are bleeding within. As St. Augustine wisely said, “People are often unreasonable, illogical, and self-centred; love them anyway.”

Whenever others hurt us or wound us with words or actions, we are not called to return insult with insult or with retaliation. Jesus, our Master, Himself showed us this truth on the Cross. While soldiers mocked Him and the crowd hurled insults, He prayed, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). St. Stephen, the first martyr, also recognized that their violence flowed from ignorance and spiritual blindness (Acts 7:60).

As followers of Christ, we are invited to be healers of the human heart, bringing love where there is hatred and forgiveness where there is injury. The best way is to see and hear the pain of the person, like Dr. Matthew did.

Dr. Matthew not only healed the patient’s leg but also revealed a profound truth: healing requires patience, compassion, and forgiveness. Likewise, Christians are called to imitate Jesus, our healer. St. John Chrysostom once wrote: “To forgive is to resemble God.” When we forgive, God’s mercy flows through us into a broken world. Indeed, forgiveness is the most powerful medicine of all.

God’s Healing Hurts

This parable reminds us that the Divine Physician’s healing often comes with pain. When He works to free us from sin, pride, or unhealthy attachments, it may feel like loss and suffering. As Scripture says, “The Lord disciplines the one He loves” (Hebrews 12:6). In our weakness, we may resist His hand or even try to run from Him. Yet, like the doctor in the parable, God’s touch, though painful, is always for our restoration. His discipline is not punishment, but love in action, shaping us into wholeness.

Practical Ways to Live This Out

• Pause before reacting: When insulted, ask: Is this person’s anger truly about me, or does it emerge from a deeper hurt within them? This shift in perspective will help transform anger into compassion. See the pain behind the offense. Commit to looking beyond the surface and responding with understanding, making a conscious effort to show compassion in every interaction.

• Pray for those who hurt you: Jesus’ command in Matthew 5:44, “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,” is not optional but central to discipleship.

• Remember your mission: Like the doctor, our calling is not to be admired but to heal and love in Christ’s name.

• Take small steps: Forgiveness is sometimes a journey, not a single act. Start by desiring to forgive, and God’s grace will complete the work. Decide on a specific act of forgiveness to begin today, and let each step draw you closer to Christlike love.

At its core, the parable urges us to look past people’s anger to their pain, continue loving without recognition, and remember that both we and others are healed by Christ’s patient, restorative love. The main message is to respond to hurt with healing, as Jesus does.

(Fr. Nilesh Parmar, SJ is an Indian Jesuit who has served tribal communities in North East for over 30 years. He is also a lyricist and composer with more than 100 published songs in English and Indian languages.)