TO TOUCH AND BE TOUCHED
We
grew up believing in the wonder and power of touch. Even before a child
is born, an expectant mother is told to caress her bulging tummy
regularly to allow the baby inside to experience TLC (tender, loving
care). Science confirms that the benefits of baby massage range from the promotion of bonding
and secure attachment, honing pre-language communication skills, and
stimulation of all major body systems of the baby as early as pre-birth.
The way masseurs and physical therapists touch our aching bodies also
help
in
stress reduction, detoxification and relief of muscle pain. Even
animals and plants benefit from our touch. Animals are tamed and made to
experience care in the way we touch them. Plants grow and flowers bloom
because of our
green thumb and experienced hands. The way we touch others affects them
in many ways, and the same applies to our faith, when it is now our
turn to touch Jesus as a manifestation of our faith.
The Gospel today pictures for us crowds of people scurrying wherever
Jesus went. Many wanted to see Him perform miracles. Some brought with
them sick people on mats, asking for healing. Others looked on in
fervent prayer, hoping for answers in the deepest recesses of their
hearts. And there were those who, at the end of the Gospel, simply
begged to touch the tassel of His cloak so they may be healed. These
people are the people of faith, owning healing even before it comes. How
many of us are like them? Or are
we more like spectators? Or miracle seekers? Or passive receivers?
Many times, during pray-over sessions among members of the Charismatic
movement, we hear people invoking in faith, “In the mighty name of
Jesus, we claim healing!” Such faith melts my heart. Such trust. Such confidence.
To embrace healing that way requires an active response from us — a
faith response. May we seek healing for our physical sickness, emotional
bondages, financial difficulties and spiritual struggles today, as we seek to touch His cloak every day as our faith response. Fr. Erick Y. Santos, OFS
REFLECTION QUESTION: Have you experienced touching the Lord and being touched by Him while at prayer?
Lord Jesus, I claim healing of my infirmities in Your mighty name.
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