It is a while since I published any of my sermons here; they are now available via my YouTube Channel as part of Larbert West's weekly worship service, and I simply haven't thought about it.
This is the sermon for Sunday 7 February (the spoken version will be fuller)
Sermon – Healing Touch
We are approaching the days of anniversary; it is now 12 months since the threat of this foreign virus began to really impact what we did and where we went. But even then, we really did not comprehend just what would transpire over the following months.
There are obvious things we missed; and there are some not so obvious, I don’t think it ever dawned on me that I would so miss just having the chance to sit and chat about nothing in particular.
Our lexicon has adapted; we now have words that have become part of our every day – zoom, video chat, online worship; who knew that facemasks and hand sanitiser would become such vital everyday tools?!
There are other deeper things too. Missing the touch of loved ones - feeling outside of everything. Not going to concerts – live music – theatre. I know that you too will have things to add to the list.
This year has made us realise the value of love and friendship more than ever – bringing truth to the old adage “you’ll miss me when I’m gone!”
Jesus lived in a time when it was considered unwise to touch anyone who was unwell or diseased. There was no sanitation, no reliable antibiotics, no doctors and nurses with the skills and tools for healing and care. But Jesus knew also, that the power of a gentle touch could not be underestimated. Jesus took the time to care. To touch. To heal.
Jesus brought a new way of caring to the people (and love, and hope, and connection and value…) and the people responded. The need they had to be known and valued was quite probably unknown even to themselves. Until that moment when it was offered, and they suddenly realised what they had been missing.
Jesus gave of himself in both word and action. It was physically, emotionally and spiritually draining. Jesus knew also the importance of taking time for refreshment; time with God; time to set up for the day ahead.
And so we hear in today’s reading, “In the morning, while it was still very dark, he got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed…”
We then hear that the disciples came and disturbed him, blustering in, where have you been? People are looking for you! In my mind I imagine Jesus stifling a sigh, offering a silent goodbye to his Father, and smiling to his friends. Maybe even knowing that before long they would observe that prayer seemed important to him, and then finally asking him to teach them how to pray.
But for now, Jesus knows that it is time to move again, time to reach out to the next town, the next crowd, to share with them, something special, something beautiful, something precious. Love, acceptance and hope through time and prayer and a healing touch. So that everywhere he went, people would know that God’s love was there for everyone. Everyone included, without exception.
