Research has shown that it takes 8-10 meaningful touches each day to maintain physical and emotional health. Studies show that touching someone signals both safety and trust. For me, I didn’t mind the masks as much as I missed hugs during the pandemic when we were told to “maintain a 6-foot distance” from everyone.
Mark’s Gospel begins with a roar! Mark does not bother with genealogies; he dives right in with John the Baptizer and the Baptism and following Temptation of Jesus.
Then Mark goes on to ministry. Jesus calls disciples, drives out unclean spirits, heals and preaches. But just 40 verses in, Jesus does something so wonderful. Approached by a man described as having a serious skin disease (probably leprosy), the man falls on his knees and begs Jesus to “make me clean.”
“Moved with compassion, Jesus reached out His hand and touched him. ‘I am willing,’ He told him. ‘Be made clean.’ Immediately the disease left him, and he was healed.” [vs 41-42 HCSB]
Jesus touched a man who was untouchable. Lepers were required to announce their disease and warn people to “maintain a distance” from them. I often wonder how long it had been since this man had experienced a loving healing touch.
When Jesus touched him, it signaled safety and trust. There is no more meaningful touch than that given by the One Who is the Lover of our Souls! It healed the leper. It heals us.
