TOUCHING MOMENTS

Like many people I know, I was nurtured in a "touchy-feely" culture. Many of our pains, physical or otherwise, were soothed and massaged away by the healing touch of our loved ones. Holding, hugging, and kissing were all integral parts of our growing up years. Touching helped in making us feel safe, loved, and not alone. We learned the science behind all these "touching moments" much later. 

If we read our Bibles and pray everyday, we will grow, grow, and grow in the realization that many of the healing narratives in the Gospels involve touching. Sunday's lection has two sections: the first part has a woman suffering for twelve years who touches Jesus's cloak; in the second part, Jesus touches a twelve-year old girl's hand and tells her to rise up.

The pandemic has left millions dead and tens of millions disenfranchised. Most of the quarantine protocols are anti-poor because these assume that everyone has a home to work from and that everyone has work. 

Physical distancing has made so many socially distant. Alone. Depressed. Afraid. In desperate need to touch someone, or be touched.

If there's a will, there's a way. Even in a pandemic. 

*art, "Healing of the Daughter of Jairus," (JESUS MAFA) available at vanderbilt divinity library archives.

**read How to Hug During a Pandemic (The New York Times)