Have you experienced touching the Lord and being touched by Him while at prayer? - Daily Reflections February 10,2014

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.