At sunset, people suffering from many kinds of sickness were brought to Jesus. Laying his hands
on each one, he healed them. Demons were driven out, howling as they departed from their
victims, “You are the Son of God!” He rebuked them and would not allow them to speak, for they
knew he was the Messiah.
Jesus left at daybreak and looked for a solitary place. People went out in search of him, and finding
him, they tried to dissuade him from leaving. But he said, “I have to go to other towns, to announce
the good news of the kingdom of God. That is what I was sent to do.” And Jesus continued to preach
in the synagogues of Galilee.
Reflection:
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.
© Copyright Bible Diary 2022