Contemplative Bible Reading

Matthew 14:34-36 (New Living Translation)

³⁴ After they had crossed the lake, they landed at Gennesaret. ³⁵ When the people recognized Jesus, the news of his arrival spread quickly throughout the whole area, and soon people were bringing all their sick to be healed. ³⁶ They begged him to let the sick touch at least the fringe of his robe, and all who touched him were healed.

Just let me touch the fringe or tassel of His clothes. Then I will be healed. Perhaps the translation provides more detail than is available. Those who touched Him were healed. Those who touched the fringe of His clothes? Not sure.

Still, there is the belief in the power of a thing that has touched the power of God. Such belief exists today. I grew up in a culture where such belief was labeled as superstitious. Today, such is labeled spirituality. I am not the judge in this one.

What shows the power of God? I’ve seen it in a cartoon-ish crayon picture drawn by a three year old child. I’ve heard it in the prayer of an 80-year-old man pleading for suffering to end. Superstitious? Spirituality?

The power of God is in the power of God. I believe that part of that power of God is God’s ability to infuse the ordinary, the unnoticed, the everyday with the power of God. Feel the power of God in the smile of a child who has no reason to smile. Feel it in the relief of a person whose companion of 50 years has died. Know that God is with us, daily.