Scripture Readings: Wisdom 1:13-15; 2:23-24 2 Cor. 8:7-15 Mark 5:21-43
Long before Diana Ross sang the song, “Reach out and touch somebody’s hand” God reached out to you and me… God reached out to give life to his creation… God reached out to give life to his children, created in his image and likeness.
In today’s Gospel, we see two different images in one story of people in need of healing, in need of God’s grace.
In the one case, a women reaches out to Jesus. She touches him, with a faith that truly believes that she will be healed, “if she can only touch him.”
And then there is the little girl, who people say has died, but say no she is asleep. Then Jesus enters the room and touches her, takes her by the hand and says to her, “Arise.”
We will never be Jesus, but our faith calls us to “bring Jesus” to our Brothers and Sisters at home, in the community, in our nation and around the world.
Oh, yes – we “bring Jesus” to others by our donations of food, clothing and even money.
Yet, we know that Jesus, often reminds us “there more to do” in bring the Kingdom of God, the kingdom of life and love to all our Brothers and Sisters.
What is the more???
The more is taking the initiative to reaching out to our Brothers and Sisters with kindness, encouragement, personal support…
The more is reaching out and touching our Brothers and Sisters at home, in school, in the community, in church, and beyond, in concrete ways that give life and hope and encouragement to the people we encounter “at the present moment.”
The more is reaching out and touching others with the loving and healing power of Jesus that is unconditional, that is inclusive – always and everywhere.
Whether it be figuratively or literally, may we all reach out and touch somebody’s hand today and everyday in ways that continue to reflect the healing touch of God that wants life for you and me and for everyone!