Once, a young woman came to me seeking prayer. She was highly educated, holding a doctorate, and had secured a well paid position through dedication and hard work. In a short time, she earned the admiration of everyone around her. Her competence, sincerity, and discipline were evident to all.
The moment of weakness
During this period, a senior official developed an unhealthy interest in her. He approached her subtly, hiding his intentions behind politeness and professional concern. His words were respectful; his manner appeared fatherly. Gradually, he gained her confidence, and she began to trust him as a guide and protector. Their work required travel together. On one such journey, in the privacy of a hotel room, the unthinkable happened. She never imagined such an act was possible. It shattered her inner world. She was devastated. She could not bring herself to speak about it to anyone. A deep and silent anguish settled in her heart. The young woman who once walked through life with joy became withdrawn and quiet. Slowly, she lost interest in her work. One day, without explanation, she resigned. Her family was shocked and confused, unable to understand what had happened. In her despair, thoughts of ending her life crossed her mind. At last, she came to the Divine Retreat Centre. After the prayer, she looked at me and said softly, “Father, what is the most valuable thing for a woman? I have lost that; my chastity. Please do not ask me anything more.” I looked around my table took a hundred rupee note and held it up. “What is this?” I asked.
“One hundred rupees,” she replied. “And what is its value?” “One hundred rupees,” she replied.
I then crumpled the currency note in my hand and pressed it lightly, showing the folds and wrinkles. Picking it up again, I showed it to her. “What is this now?” I asked. “One hundred rupees,” she said. “Has its value changed?” I enquired of her. She replied, “No.”
We remain precious to God
Then I said to her, “No matter what anyone in this world does to you, God has placed a value on you that no one can destroy. That value never diminishes. You remain precious in the sight of God.” The Psalmist points to this reality: “For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully. made” (Ps 139:13-14). Your worth is not defined by human opinion, but by the eternal love of the Creator.
Many people may have humiliated us or spoken against us unjustly. Some may have wounded us deeply, leaving scars that others cannot see. Yet our worth before God never decreases. St John in his letter affirms that in God’s eyes, we remain loved, chosen, and honoured (I Jn 3:1). This identity cannot be taken away.
Healing and restoration is possible
Jesus loves each one of us personally. Bring your life before Him; that is where your true dignity and glory shine. Jesus invites each one of us saying: “Come to me, all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Mt 11:28). He welcomes every burden, every broken piece of your heart.
If anyone has abused us, especially in the sexual area; if degrading memories or words disturb our minds; if guilt weighs heavily upon our hearts, let us bring all of it before Jesus. Place every wound, every shame, and every hidden pain in His presence through prayer. Remember even those who caused hurt and choose forgiveness; not by our own strength, but by the grace He gives. We are reminded by St Paul: “Be kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you” (Eph 4:32).
Pray that they too may be washed in the blood of Christ. This love has a deeper meaning. From the cross, Jesus gives us the strength to forgive, to heal, and to rise again. “He heals the broken hearted and binds up their wounds” (Ps 147:3). In Him, your worth is untouchable. As the prophet points out, God says: “You are precious in my eyes, and honoured, and I love you.” (Is 43:4).
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, You are the one who loves me beyond measure. I bring before you my burdens, my wounds, and my hidden pains, trusting that in your presence my dignity and glory shine. You welcome me with open arms, offering rest to the weary and healing to the brokenhearted.
I surrender every shame, every memory, and every scar into your hands. By your grace, teach me to forgive those who have hurt me, and let your mercy wash over them as well. Bind up my wounds, restore my heart, and remind me that I am precious in your eyes.
May your cross be my strength, your love my refuge, and your resurrection my hope. In you, Lord, my worth is untouchable. Keep me always close to Your heart.