Advent Devotion

December 5, 2009

Touched by God

Excerpt from Luke 9:1-6

"Jesus called the twelve together . . . and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal."

Reflection by William C. Green


As a poet put it, "I learn by going where I have to go." We learn who Jesus is by doing what he asks us to do: preach and heal through what we say and do, whether or not we mount a pulpit or cure illness.

Three times in my life, someone has been so bold as to place their hands on my head or shoulders and pray explicitly for God's blessing.  This was more than praying at a polite distance. It involved touch—unsettling for some of us. I hadn't asked for this. Sometimes we're in no position to ask for what we need. Sometimes someone seems intuitively to know that only a power higher than our own, working through them, can touch us.

We may not be cured but we can be healed. The power of what threatens us can be broken. Think of the embrace of a loved one, or, when appropriate, a good hug. Think of someone who listens well when something is troubling you. That's a healing touch, too.

All of us need more than a good prayer or a strong hug. But all of us first need power beyond our own that directly touches us with love and confidence. That's what Jesus is all about -- and how he becomes real for us and, through us, for others. This is what we prepare to celebrate all over again this Advent season.

Prayer

God of healing and hope, touch us again and make us bold enough to share that with others. Amen.