A Single Touch

As Jesus went, the people pressed around him. And there was a woman who had had a discharge of blood for twelve years, and though she had spent all her living on physicians, she could not be healed by anyone. She came up behind him and touched the fringe of his garment, and immediately her discharge of blood ceased. And Jesus said, “Who was it that touched me?” When all denied it, Peter said, “Master, the crowds surround you and are pressing in on you!” But Jesus said, “Someone touched me, for I perceive that power has gone out from me.” And when the woman saw that she was not hidden, she came trembling, and falling down before him declared in the presence of all the people why she had touched him, and how she had been immediately healed. And he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace.” Luke 8:42-48

It is amazing how things can change in a moment. A call on the phone can change everything whether it's good news or bad. A life long struggle can begin or end in the blink of the eye. Something as simple as a sweet laugh can change our whole outlook, a single touch can change our mood. Love is both an action and a power source, and the strength that we humans can give by loving does change the world.

Jesus was on his way to help a young parent. In the midst of a dense crowd he felt a single touch. A long suffering woman, bent with pain and exhaustion, had enough faith and love to reach out. And in reaching out, her life was changed in a moment. The divine love, which is never held back and always acting for us, brought her healing and freedom. God's love is so powerful that it can change the course of lives and history. And we can share that love by reaching out in faith also.

Today I ask God to help me reach out in faith. May we never be too discouraged or fearful to reach out in love. May we seek God's love in every moment and may we share the gifts and healing we have been given. There are so many in the crowd aching to be healed, ready to be transformed. God invites us today to act on faith and reach out in love.