THE WORD
1 Cor 3,1-9 / Lk 4,38-44
After Jesus left the synagogue, he entered the house of Simon. Simon’s mother-in-law was afflicted with a severe fever, and they interceded with him about her. He stood over her, rebuked the fever, and it left her. She got up immediately and waited on them. At sunset, all who had people sick with various diseases brought them to him. He laid his hands on each of them and cured them. And demons also came out from many, shouting, “You are the Son of God.” But he rebuked them and did not allow them to speak because they knew that he was the Messiah.
At daybreak, Jesus left and went to a deserted place. The crowds went looking for him, and when they came to him, they tried to prevent him from leaving them. But he said to them, “To the other towns also I must proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God, because for this purpose I have been sent.” And he was preaching in the synagogues of Judea.
IN OTHER WORDS
Jesus heals many people by touching them. “He placed his hands on every one of them and healed them all.” In so doing Jesus has shown that human touch can bring people back to health.
Touch can be an instrument for personal well-being and physical healing, a means to mending broken relationships and a medium for fostering collaboration and cooperation between and among peoples. An embrace consoles, sympathizes, empathizes and reconnects us with others. The Filipino “mano po” is not just an expression of respect but also a bestowal of blessing. A simple handshake can start a life-giving friendship. A touch on the forehead bestows blessing, a pat on the shoulder consoles, encourages and inspires.
Human touch can ease suffering but it can also inflict pain. Jesus made use of touch to heal people. By means of touch, Jesus has shown us an example on how to make use of human touch for the well-being of the other. Touch can also become destructive. It can hurt people physically, emotionally and psychologically.
A simple gesture of touch done at the right moment, at the right place and to the right person can truly make a difference in the life of the recipient.
- Fr. Michael Layugan, SVD | DWST, Tagaytay City
The Word in other words 2016
An annual project of Logos Publications, The WORD in Other Words Bible Diary contains daily scripture readings and reflections written by priest, brothers, and sisters of the three congregations founded by St. Arnold Janssen (the SVD, SSpS, and SSpSAP). It hopes to serve as a daily companion to readers who continually seek the correlation of the Word of God and human experience.
