Brief reflections on touch

There are so many different ways to think about today's writing prompt. In context, in today's lectionary reading, it has to do with attempted arrest. But in juxtaposition, another biblical context, laying on of hands is meant for healing. There was a time when I had the chops to look up the original Greek and see if the same words or phrase was being used, but I've lost those skills so I'll just wonder about it. Would make a pretty striking juxtaposition though, huh? Jesus and his disciples laying hands on people to heal them, to return them to life, while Jesus' detractors want to lay hands on him to arrest him - and ultimately to kill him. So both ends of the spectrum, one bringing life, one taking life. If the Greek is the same, it could make the basis for a pretty good sermon. Even if not, it still might.

As a kid, I was bullied a lot - so hands laid on me with intent to harm. Thankfully, no one harmed me enough physically or psychologically that I now eschew touch. I know not all people like to be touched, but I crave it. From a handshake or a hug in greeting, to the casual brush of the shoulder from a friend passing by, to a passionate embrace, the touch of another person is, to me, an especially powerful and healing thing. It's something I've really missed these last few years, as everyone has (understandably) drawn back in an effort to limit the spread of Covid-19. Sadly even before the pandemic, touch was becoming verboten outside of intimate relationships, and maybe that *should* be the case if it would be the end to all inappropriate touching. I'm jaded enough say I don't think it will, and that even though I don't have a better alternative I think at least for time being it leaves the world a poorer place. At least I live with a spouse, so I still get some touch; I cannot imagine what it might have been like during the pandemic for someone living alone. Or maybe I can, but I don't want to.

— Zachary