Believing, Belonging and Becoming through Christ

08/09/2024 Year B Mass Book Page 129

TwentyThird Sunday in Ordinary Time 2024 Year B

Jesus bring healing by touching, it’s what we sometimes call the “human touch.”

He made it a point to touch the deaf and mute man, with one word “Ephatha!”, “Be opened!”

Jesus may no longer be present on earth physically, but he still wants to touch people. He wants to do it through us. This is especially important in our time, as we live in a world where human interaction seems to be decreasing every day.

Something that seems as insignificant as a warm handshake or a pat on the shoulder can be a huge comfort at times. A warm embrace can bring healing to a close friend who is struggling. Even a simple “hello” coupled with a smile can lift someone’s spirits. And if you can pray with someone, you might ask if it’s okay to hold their hand or place your hand on their shoulder while you pray.

God has given all of us a healthy desire to give and receive love. When that desire is bottled up, we suffer, and the people we have an opportunity to help suffer as well.

So, let’s make it a point to go out of our way to touch people with a smile and a warm gesture of affection today. In our homes, let’s make it a point to offer displays of affection to our spouse and children.

After all, Jesus did tell us to love one another as he loves us—and he loves to touch us!