The Rescuing Hug

Summary of Fr. Gerry Creedon's homily June 28, 2009

"He took the child by the hand." Mark 5:21-43.

 

More homilies » June 28, 2009 readings, from US Bishops' site: • Reading I: Wis 1:13-15; 2:23-24 • Responsorial Psalm: Ps 30:2, 4, 5-6, 11, 12, 13 • Reading II: 2 Cor 8:7, 9, 13-15 • Gospel: Mk 5:21-43 or 5:21-24, 35b-43

Watch what happens in an elevator. We carefully avoid one another and fix our gaze on the numbers. Our culture has a fear of touch. Touch has been over sexualized. We are afraid of catching colds.

Yet touch has power.

I read an article recently on "The Rescuing Hug." The story details the first week of life of a set of twins. Apparently, each was in their respective incubators, and one was not expected to live. A hospital nurse fought against hospital rules and placed the babies in one incubator. When they were placed together, the healthier of the two threw an arm over her sister in an endearing embrace. The smaller baby's heart rate stabilized and her temperature rose to normal. The article concluded with the advice, "Let us not forget to embrace those whom we love."

In the renewal of the sacraments that followed Vatican II we see a new emphasis on touch.  The laying on of hands is an element of the sacrament of the sick, as well as confirmation. Such a gesture is also recommended in the sacrament of reconciliation; a sign that the old dark confessional boxes would not have allowed. The Roman instruction states, "The penitent bows his or her head as the priest extends his hands (or at least extends his right hand)." Perhaps most noticeable is the reintroduction of the gesture of peace before Communion. At St. Charles we have the custom of offering a handshake of welcome at the call to worship.

This emphasis on physical gestures is clearly an imitation of Jesus' practice. ..he embraced children, laying his hands on them. Before he raised Jairus' daughter he "took her by the hand."

May all of us, as followers of Jesus never hesitate to bring His healing touch to all who suffer.