Touch

Jesus, reached out his hand and touched the man. "I am willing, he said, be clean." Immediately he was cured of his leprosy.Matthew 8:3

In Africa, I have often had the opportunity to work with patients with leprosy. They are pretty much ostracized by culture now, just as they were in biblical times. I often get to see other patients with "untouchable" conditions - chronic ulcers and various other visible ailments which make them pariahs or outcasts of society. Jesus frequently touched the untouchables in his society - the lepers, the prostitutes, the tax collectors. As I have reached out and physically touched these patient's, you can see the relief and amazement in their eyes as someone shows compassion and love to them by physically touching them. We live in a very high tech society and underestimate the power of a simple touch or hug. There have been many times back home that I have been at the bedside of patients who were dying or at other times of crisis. I did not have any great words of wisdom but I could sit and hold a hand or give a hug or cry with them. We need to realize that the simplest act of compassion is frequently that of just being with somebody and providing touch. Jesus did and so should we.

Mike McMahon

"I see Jesus in every human being. I say to myself this is hungry Jesus, I must feed him. This is sick Jesus, this one has leprosy or gangrene, I must wash him and tend to him. I serve because I love Jesus." - Mother Teresa

Prayer Power

Lord Jesus, help us to remember that you frequently reach and touch those who are considered untouchable. Help me to reach out and touch those who are the untouchables in my society and share with them the love of Christ In Christ's name, amen.