Coffee With God

Reflection: Mark 6:53-56

Jesus’ response to the sick did not proceed from a detached commitment to needy humanity but from compassion towards each person. His action was in response to the hope expressed by the friends of the sick people through their practical readiness to put themselves out for their friends. Except for those with leprosy, the sick do not come to Jesus on their own. They are brought to Jesus by someone who believed that Jesus could make his friend or member of the family well again. Things are different whenever people are prepared to think not simply about themselves but of each other, particularly of those whose need is greater. The people of Gennesaret demonstrate a great concern for their fellow brethren and this is already an expression of the Kingdom, which Jesus came to establish. Jesus could restore health. The action of Jesus together with the concern of the people who cared could bring about an even deeper healing of the spirit of those who had been sick. Hope and compassion opened the way to miracles through the person of Jesus. Where the sick are healed – is a place of joy and happiness – the Kingdom of God. Mark emphasises on an important message: “All those who touched him were cured.” Indeed, we stand in need of healing. We are living in a time when ‘touch’ is no more appreciated, for the fear of a contagion. The Gospel speaks of a touch that could heal – that is to touch the Lord. The opportunities to touch the Lord are many. In the Eucharist, in the Word of God, in our prayer time and in the lives of all our brothers and sisters around us, Jesus makes himself present to us. But the Gospel reminds that bringing people to the healing touch of the Lord is as important as personally touching him. It is through acts of charity and mercy that we bring Jesus to the people around us. In his message for the Chinese New Year, Bishop Stephen Chow of Hong Kong encouraged the faithful to take one step further to be near to someone in need, especially the elderly, the sick and the poor. Later he took time to visit the elderly, who were living alone in a number of housing complexes in the City, bringing new year gifts and praying with them. Would I care to spare a little of my time for someone in need, to visit him, to see if he or she needs my help, to bring God’s love, to help them feel the healing, consoling touch of Jesus?