“…were pressing upon him to touch him.” In today’s Gospel we see Jesus being followed and surrounded by a crowd, all wanting his attention and wanting to touch him. It reminded me of scenes from the news of people surrounding the pope, or politician, or celebrity. All wanting to get close and perhaps talk to this person they respect or admire.
When we have the opportunity to be near someone famous, why is touch so important? Is it because we seek intimacy? Are we looking for a sign of recognition? Or of hope? What is it that we seek?
The people in today’s gospel story were seeking the same. They wanted to be noticed, to be recognized, to be healed. This man, Jesus, could give them all of that by a mere touch of his hand
I know that if Jesus walked into my room right now, I would want to talk with him, listen to him, and yes, touch him. A handshake or a hug just to know that the one I love is real, is with me. And through that simple touch he would know me, he would recognize me. We would have a connection.
—Margaret Horner currently serves as the Director of Liturgy at Gesu Parish, Milwaukee, WI.