This sense of liberation from an illusory difference was such a relief and such a joy to me that I almost laughed out loud. Moving out of his private exclusion from the world to discover, perhaps for the first time, the community of strangers of which we hunger to be part. And near the Sea of Galilee we are told that by touching his ears Jesus healed a man born deaf who, as a result could not speak right either. When we need something within us we take the hand of someone we love and trust. When death comes close we reach out to embrace, when we are feeling deeply vulnerable and afraid we reach out to touch, when we need love, we touch.
Human touch is one of the most powerful forms of communication of the deeper things of our lives.
Touch can break through pain, loneliness, anger fear and loneliness. As I speak, heads are nodding throughout the room. The hunger of a single person for an embrace, a caring hand to hold, a comforting touch is beyond description. Sometimes when John, Bill and I shake someone's hand at the door after church that is the only touch they have had from another person all week. Touch is our link to life, to community, to love.