7 February 2022
Monday of the Fifth Week in Ordinary Time
It is commonly said that much of the communication between people is non-verbal. Words certainly have a place in our communication with those around us and with God. For example, the less the words “I love you.” show up in our speech at home (and in prayer!), the more something is definitely missing. Or when a friend or family member’s body language definitely tells us something is the matter, we also want words to follow to express the thoughts of their heart and mind so that our mind and heart can share their burden.
Yet, words have their limits, and other forms of communication must also play their part. In Jesus’ ministry around Gennesaret, the people who were desperate for the healing of their beloved sick ones used words to communicate with Jesus. But they also communicated with Him by physically laying their sick ones close to Jesus. And these poor folks on their mats communicated with Jesus by simply reaching out to touch the tassel on his cloak; “and as many touched it were healed.” (Mark 6:56) Today, let us consider tangible ways to communicate with the Lord in prayer. Perhaps it is placing our hand on the crucifix in our homes as we pray. Perhaps it is holding the rosary as we contemplate those for whom we pray. Let us in prayer touch the One to whom we look for salvation.