The Gentle Touch of Jesus
I sat in Mass today after a long, but
needed two week journey to my hometown, the first time our whole
family returned after three years away. I felt tired in that moment,
out of emotional or physical energy. There was a newly ordained
priest presiding. He seemed to be a humble, quiet and straightforward man, yet
Christ’s presence was almost palpable today in his message. It
wasn’t a flashy message. He didn’t make a big stir. He just
slowly, and with few and sincere words, put an idea out there. The
simplicity of the moment brought tears to my eyes. I felt rest.
Peace. Absolute stillness within my soul.
There is such a cult of personality
these days, even in churches. People want to follow this person or
that, thinking they somehow have a closer connection to God than
another or maybe one is just more entertaining than another, who
knows the vast number of reasons. I have been guilty of this too at
many times in my life. Yet, today was a reminder from a simply
delivered message that God works through many people in our lives. It
isn’t about the instrument or the delivery. It is simply the call
of our Creator.
There are moments like today in the
wake of big changes where I am not sure what is next. I sit in
silence. I hear the ticking of a clock somewhere in the house. I hear
the soft whir of the air conditioner and feel the gentle draft drift
down to my shoulders. There is a car engine somewhere in the distance
outside. Then, silence. There is no movement, no past. No future in
mind, just now. Only stillness. And Jesus is here in this moment.
Right now. Just longing to be close, so much so that my heart almost
aches a little at the touch of His love.
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