Loving Touches

Today’s readings are about touch and faith.   In our Gospel reading from Mark we hear of the synagogue official named Jairus who fell at Jesus’ feet and pleaded with him, saying, “My daughter is at the point of death.  Please, come lay your hands on her that she may get well and live.”   Jesus took the 12-year old by the hand and said to her, “Little girl, I say to you, arise!”  And, she did.  Jesus had said to her father, “Do not be afraid; just have faith.”

We hear of the suffering woman afflicted with hemorrhages for twelve years.   She touched Jesus’ clothes and was cured:  “Immediately her flow of blood dried up. She felt in her body that she was healed of her affliction.”   Jesus said to her, “Daughter, your faith has saved you.”

How many of us have faith in the ones we love that their embraces, their kisses – their touch – will make us well?  When we are hurting and crying; when we feel lost and alone and we reach out to touch and hold their hands or cry on their shoulders, they give us comfort.  

We may not be totally healed and relieved of all our burdens.  Still, they are eased by that someone who saves us by helping us rise from depths of sorrow.   We’re no longer so afraid. 

God “touches” us through the love and compassion of others who touch our wounded hearts and make us live again.  Through our faith and their touch, we hear God say to us, “Arise and be cured.”

Deacon David Pierce