TUESDAY, MARCH 28, 2023
“Touching the Soul”
Matthew 8:2-4
Nancy Hallfin
In healing the leper, Jesus was not concerned with touching an unclean person, thereby becoming unclean Himself. When He touched him, He was touching his soul and not concerned about the rules of society.
Recently I read an article written by a doctor specializing in the Emergency Department of the only two military Level One Trauma Centers in San Antonio, TX. Because there are also two military bases there, there are many military retirees in the area. The doctor relates that often being tired, overworked and stressed he would become abrupt, and short-tempered with senior patients who did not hear, see or understand his directions. After seeing “Saving Private Ryan” he was moved by the scene of the elderly veteran asking his wife if he had been a good man. Since then, he has taken time to hear the stories of these veterans and realizes the service he can provide is only a small thank you for the sacrifices they have made.
This doctor has learned the lesson of healing the leper. He now looks beyond the exterior to the soul of these men and women which enriches his service to their healing.
As Jesus’ followers doing his work in the world, we need to keep in mind that we need to touch people beyond their exterior to reach their soul. Take time to look into their eyes and listen to their stories for that is where their soul lies and where Jesus can touch them through us.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, teach us to take the time to reach out to others regardless of who they are, what they look like or where we meet them so that You can touch their souls through us. Amen.