Tuesday 4^th Week in Ordinary Time

Gospel – Mark 5:21-43

Touchy!  Touchy!

Raising of Jairus’ Daughter, Boat Chapel, Magdala

 

Almost 3 years ago, a good friend and fellow parishioner passed away from cancer.  He was an all-around handyman and volunteer at St. Roberts.  You could always count on him to jump in and help out, especially when it came to anything related to woodworking or carpentry.  Frank always reminded me a lot of my grandfather who was a master carpenter.  There was one thing you could always expect from Frank – a big smile and a warm handshake.  I don’t mean a simple perfunctory and quick clasping of hands.  I mean a hearty, two-handed, grip like you mean it, firm and slightly crushing handshake.  When Frank shook your hand, you knew it was coming from his heart and soul!  It meant something special to him and he wanted you to know how special you were to him!

We all know the value and meaning of gestures like that.  That pat on the back that encourages!  That strong handshake of friendship!  The gentle touch of love on the cheek!  That two-handed grasp on the shoulders that imparts comfort and blessing.  We all know that touch!   

In today’s Gospel, we hear of, not one, but two miracles – the cure of the woman with a 12-year hemorrhage and the raising of Jairus’ daughter.  In both cases, miracles occur through a simple touch of the hand.  For the woman, it was a touch of faith, the belief that she could be cured by merely touching Jesus.  With Jairus, Jesus takes his daughter by the hand and brings her back to life.  Touch!  A gentle touch of faith, a touch of love and compassion, a touch of healing and rebirth.

Great Spirit, we ask you today to help us to be more loving and compassionate, to step out of our comfort zone and reach out to others, to be a gentle caring person who sees the hurt in others and is willing to be a source of healing and faith.  Aho!

 I would be remiss if I didn’t send out a big whopping Happy Birthday to my lovely wife Ginger!  While I distinctly remember the first time I saw her and felt those first stirrings of affection and attraction, I can’t seem to recall the first time we touched and held hands.  But I do remember and cherish every loving touch since then! Holding hands as we stroll down the driveway to the mailbox!  Caressing her as cheek as we say goodnight!  Massaging her neck to ease a cramp!  Every touch just as loving as the first!  Happy Birthday, Honey Bunch!