Commentary of the Gospell

Healing Touch

Though we are living in an era where touch is viewed with suspicion and fear – be it due the stories of abuse or the pandemic – human touch does heal physically, psychologically, and spiritually. Some cultures have the tradition of children touching the feet of their parents and teachers to seek their blessing and the latter blessing them by laying their hands on their heads. How moving a sight it is! “Jesus laid his hands on each one and healed them.” Nothing more was necessary for Jesus to do than lay his hands gently on them and whisper a prayer. We can do the same and heal those around us as well: a gentle hand on the shoulder or a warm hug when someone is hurting, a pat on the back when someone does something good, laying of our hands and a prayer over those who are sick – these gestures do incredible miracles in their lives.