Monday – 14th Week in Ordinary Time

Gospel – Matthew 9:18-26

Touchy!  Touchy!

Loving Hands

 

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, the 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, even if it was the hem of His garment.  With Jairus’ daughter, Jesus takes her 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!

We all know the value and meaning of such a gesture.  That bear hug of a greeting after so much time apart!  That pat on the back that encourages!  That strong handshake of friendship!  The gentle touch of love on the cheek!  That two-handed grasp of the shoulders that imparts comfort and blessing.  The intertwining of fingertips between 2 loving partners! We all know that touch!  

There used to be an old AT &T commercial about “reach out and touch someone”.  If we haven’t already done so, maybe this is exactly the time to “reach out”. So take the time today, reach out with a gentle touch; let your family and friends know you love them, caring for them.  Let’s never ever take those simple gestures of love and friendship for granted!

Great Spirit, I ask you today to help me to be more loving and compassionate, to step out of my 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!

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