Genesis 28:10-22; Psalm 91:1-4, 14-15; Matthew 9:18-26 "Lay your hand on her, and she will live." (Mt 9:18) Psychologists tell us that the simple act of physical touch plays an important role on our development. It seems that from the time we are infants, we need this basic form of human contact - to be touched, held, and cradled. And as we mature, the physical affirmation we get from human touch is just as important as the verbal affirmation that comes from words of encouragement and guidance. Both are vital in telling us that we are loved and accepted. Judging from this Gospel passage, we can see that physical touch is a very important part of the way God communicates with us. The woman who was sick told herself that if she could only touch the cloak of Jesus she would be healed; and once she did that she got her healing (Mt 9:21). Again, the man with the sick daughter told Jesus that if he laid hands on her, she would recover. And when Jesus came to her, all he did was take her “by the hand” and call to her (Mt 9:25). We know that the healing touch of God didn’t stop with Jesus. It continued with the apostles, who had received the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. The Book of Acts is filled with stories of how Peter, Paul, and the other apostles brought healing and deliverance as they reached out and touched people. Do you believe that you have the same Spirit? He is not just a ghost that hovers around us. He gives life - divine life - not just to our souls but to our bodies as well (Rom 8:11). That means that everything we do can be sanctified, and everyone we interact with can receive some of that Spirit too! Taking another perspective, do you take your troubles to the Lord with expectant faith and confidence in his help? People in desperate or helpless circumstances were not disappointed when they sought Jesus out. What drew them to Jesus? Was it hope for a miracle or a word of comfort in their affliction? What did the elderly woman who had suffered greatly for twelve years expect Jesus to do for her? And what did a grieving father expect Jesus to do about his lost beloved daughter? Jesus gave hope where there seemed to be no human cause for it because his hope was directed to God. He spoke words of hope to the woman (Take heart, daughter!) to ignite the spark of faith in her (your faith has made you well!). And he also gave divine hope to a father who had just lost a beloved child. It took considerable courage and risk for the ruler of a synagogue to openly go to Jesus and to invite the scorn of his neighbours and kin. Even the hired mourners laughed at him in scorn. Their grief was devoid of any hope. Nonetheless, Jesus took the girl by the hand and delivered her from the grasp of death. In both instances we see the personal concern of Jesus for the needs of others and his readiness to heal and restore life. Think about that next time you meet someone who is troubled, afraid, or just needs encouragement. You have something to offer! Just a touch on the shoulder, a pat on the back, or a warm hug are often more powerful than we think. It may seem small and insignificant, but remember that Christ is in you. He is using your hands, your arms, to touch people. He is using your eyes to identify the needs. He is using your very body to minister his presence. You don’t have to force anything. Just remember that God is working through you, and he knows what he’s doing. In Jesus we see the infinite love of God extending to each and every individual as he gives freely and wholly of himself to each person he meets. Do you approach the Lord with confident expectation that he will hear your request and act? “Lord, you love each of us individually with a unique and personal love. Show me how I can touch people with your love and mercy. But first, fill me with your peace so I can be your peaceful presence in this troubled world. Touch my life with your saving power, heal and restore me to fullness of life. Help me to give wholly of myself in loving service to others.” Amen.
Posted on: Mon, 08 Jul 2013 08:23:08 +0000
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