Grapevine

 By Sally Brewer

Jesus touched the man, and he was healed, we are told many times about the healing touch of our Lord. He touched and cured many conditions.

The power of touch is often overlooked, but during the past isolating months of the COVID pandemic, we have been made acutely aware of how most of us miss this most basic form of communication.

Touch can give reassurance – holding a hand during an unpleasant or painful procedure can make all the difference. In Matthews gospel, we are told how Jesus assured Peter, James, and John by touch when in the presence Moses and Elijah, on the Mount of Transfiguration ‘he touched them and said, ‘Don’t be afraid!’’ Let’s not forget Thomas’ only believed the miracle of the risen Lord when he physically touched the wounds of Jesus.

Touch can ease discomfort; many an ache or pain is relieved by the gentle touch of another. Loving arms of a mother can calm and comfort her baby – simply by being there. For us all at the end of our earthly lives, we are told in Revelations – ‘God will wipe away every tear from our eyes, then hold us forever’. Despite lack of physical touch, we can all experience our Lords loving arms around us holding us in his love.

As we start to see the easing of Covid restrictions; let us safely relearn the importance of touch. A warm embrace instead of screens for families long denied contact with each other.

As we wait for ‘normal’ life to resume, let us all feel surrounded by the love of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Amen