February 8th Reflection by Bill Lynch

Mark 3:7-12 (NRSV)
Jesus heals many people
Jesus departed with his disciples to the sea, and a great multitude from Galilee followed him; hearing all that he was doing, they came to him in great numbers from Judea, Jerusalem, Idumea, beyond the Jordan, and the region around Tyre and Sidon. He told his disciples to have a boat ready for him because of the crowd, so that they would not crush him; for he had cured many, so that all who had diseases pressed upon him to touch him. Whenever the unclean spirits saw him, they fell down before him and shouted, "You are the Son of God!" But he sternly ordered them not to make him known.

Reflection
What if we all tried to touch Jesus to be healed? We all need healing after all. I don't think the physical aspect of all people touching Jesus to be healed would work. All of these people with who knows what kind of diseases trying to touch Jesus. The crowd was overwhelming in this passage, almost all of Palestine was present in the end. Jesus had to consider his physical well being in this case. He had so much more to do and it wouldn't be helpful to be crushed in the crowd. Apparently in this passage the boat was not used for a pulpit as another passage points out. It seems this boat was to protect Jesus from the crowds. So, what if we all tried to touch Jesus to  be healed?

But, then again, Jesus made it possible for each of us to touch him and for he to touch us. In Jesus' healing act of salvation our touching of Jesus becomes a mute point. Jesus has touched each of our lives with healing and forgiveness. And as Jesus touches us, we touch him. In his touch we are healed. It's not about how we reach out greedily to be healed that saves us, it's how Jesus lovingly gave his life for each one of us, that we are touched and healed eternally. Thanks be to God!

Prayer
Jesus, your touch is both personal and corporate. Not only have you touched my heart and my life you have touched the lives of all people. As I follow you this day, show me that touch of love that I may touch those you give to me with your loving grace... today... tomorrow... and forever.