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5th Week in Ordinary Time
He put his finger into the mans ears and, spitting, touched his tongue. (Mark 7:33)
Life has become much more automated recently, hasnt it? Driverless cars are on the horizon. Cell phones can now be unlocked through facial recognition software. If you go to the grocery store or the public library, youll find people flocking to the self-checkout stand. Certainly these innovations have made life more convenient. But theres still something to be said for the old-fashioned kind of customer service, in which a cashier hands you your money, and you sometimes end up chatting about the weather, sports, or a recent family outing. Its what we sometimes call the human touch.
Human contact is not only important to us, but its important to God as well. Thats why Jesus held children in his lap, and its why he had no hesitation touching lepers. Its also why, in todays reading, he didnt just pray words of healing. He made it a point to touch the deaf and mute man.
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 someones spirits. And if you have the opportunity to pray with someone, you might ask if its 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 lets 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, lets 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!
Lord, help me to be more kind and loving to everyone I meet."
1 Kings 11:29-32; 12:19
Psalm 81:10-15
Daily Marriage Tip for February 9, 2018:
Marriage is not just a private affair, but a way for your love to impact the world. Just as Jesus told Simon to put out into deep water
for a catch (Lk 5:4), find a way to multiply your love through serving others today.