We missed many things during the pandemic, and one thing I missed especially is being able to offer someone a handshake, a pat on the back or a hug. I remember the first time I hugged a parishioner; we didn’t want to let go … as if it could be taken away from us … again!

Even Jesus was aware of the power of touch. He used it often, not just to heal, but to let someone know they were loved. Jesus even reacted to being touched. Remember when He was being followed by lots of people and suddenly he stops and says, “Who touched me?” Since people were all around Jesus, the disciples thought that was a ridiculous question. But Jesus was referring to a sense of power that had gone out of him when he was touched. That’s how important the sense of touch was for Jesus, and I believe he passed that on to us. For Jesus, touch was a way he drew people to himself. He took the time to touch children, even when the apostles thought they were in the way. I think Jesus elevated our sense of touch into something special as well, yet another gift from God to enrich our lives.

Sometimes good things emerge from bad experiences, and the importance of the gift of touch is a prime example. During this season of Lent don’t be afraid to share a handshake with another child of God. It will be a reminder of walking together through this season of Lent.

About the author: Previously the priest at St. Francis of Assisi in Lake Placid for 21 years, Rev. Elizabeth L. Nelson is now the Priest at Good Shepherd Episcopal Church in LaBelle.