If you’ve got children, grandchildren, nieces or nephews, at some point you’ve probably heard them wail, “She broke my toy!” or “He destroyed my Lego house!”

In my home, I seem to hear such complaints on a frequent basis.

A few months ago, our 3-year-old dropped my wife’s tablet device on the tiles; a year ago he microwaved my phone. On such occasions, I was definitely not considering how the regular breakages are a gentle reminder of the human condition!

Yet, upon reflection, there is something profound about the experience of seeing material objects be broken, damaged or ruined beyond repair. Firstly, it reminds us of our own fragility. And secondly, it reminds us of the wonderful possibility of healing.

In our homes, there is virtually nothing that can be broken but not repaired or replaced. True, sometimes we own items that have significant sentimental value, but cars, homes, phones and the majority of our possessions can be fixed or replaced. Be it super glue or sticky tape, treasured items can be put back together.

In the Gospels, we see numerous accounts of Jesus healing and restoring those who were broken – physically (see Mk 2:1-12), mentally (see Lk 8:26-39) and spiritually (see Jn 20:24-29). Jesus offers hope to those who have lost all hope, teaching us that there is no brokenness cannot be healed.

The late Pope Francis sums this message up in a beautiful reflection on Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well. He concludes by saying:

“Dear brothers and dear sisters, let us not lose hope! Even if our history appears burdensome, complicated, perhaps even ruined to us, we always have the possibility of consigning it to God and setting out anew on our journey. God is merciful, and awaits us always!”

It’s easy to become despondent when we think of our own weaknesses or our tendency to fall into the same old bad habits. But as people of faith, we should be hopeful, because we can be healed, forgiven and restored. We simply need to place ourselves in the hands of our Creator and allow his mercy and grace to restore us. There is no person broken beyond repair.

Further Reading

Pope Francis’ Catechesis on Jesus Christ our Hope (26 March, 2025)

The hope of the leper (Archdiocese of Brisbane)

*If you need further support, please contact your local Catholic social support service.

Image: Lightstock
Words: Matthew Biddle