THE GIFT OF TOUCH

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. 

Many times, Vick's Vapor Rub was part of the ritual. "Haplos ng pagmamahal!" Touching helped in making us feel safe, loved, and not alone. We learned the science behind all these "touching moments" much later. 

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.

Many of the quarantine protocols we've had to live with for three years were anti-poor because these assumed that everyone had a home to work from, that everyone had work, and that everyone had online access. 

Physical distancing has made so many socially distant. Alone. Depressed. Afraid. Ill. Desperate to touch someone or be touched. And experience healing. 

Friends, please let us go and help someone heal. Today. 

*art, "Woman with the Flow of Blood," Frank Wesley (1923-2002) available at vanderbilt divinity library archives.

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