“…and he laid his hands on her…” (Luke 13:13)
“…he showed them his hands…” (John 20:20)
After my father died, I felt his presence through my hands. Skin folds around my knuckles were like his. It was comforting to see him there.
Finger print patterns testify to our uniqueness. However, real identity is manifested through the acts of hands, and more than skin deep. Rough strong calloused hands of the slave attested to rigors discounted for profit by owners and merchants while fingers of the ballerina show the grace and beauty inherent in her way of life.
At extreme opposites in the spectrum of identity, both are made in God’s likeness to do God’s work. Theirs, like ours, are often met with challenges that test them in ways that stretch the imagination and relationship with God. Skill, endurance, integrity, rigor and faith often move through them in ways beyond comprehension. They hold fast, act gentle, comfort, and in an extension of honesty and love, assist in balance, give comfort and facilitate persuasive correction and direction. They communicate when words alone are not enough or fall on deaf ears, and often are first to show frustration or happiness.
Again this Lenten season takes us through our wilderness. Let us see our hands as instruments of God’s work. Keep them at the ready to touch the world that God has made us custodians of, and may we not lead any one astray, but instead show love without restraint. Let us act knowing we cannot wash our hands of guilt, but instead take hold of the hand of the one that stilled the waters, received the nails and has walked through our wilderness already. Though pierced and bruised, may we feel God’s love through them.
Prayer: Loving and encouraging God, your greatness is beyond all understanding. Let us feel your presence this Lenten time and open our eyes and ears with your touch to see and hear and know your creation. Feed us from your very hand that broke open the bread of life, to make us whole. Thank you for loving us so. Through Jesus. Amen.
David C. Paterson
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