When my son was little, someone observed, “You never take your hands off of him”. I suppose it was true. I was always holding him, hugging him. Planting a kiss on his cheek, rustling the hair on his head, rubbing his back, or he was sitting on my lap. I wanted him to be assured of my presence and affection.
This comment came to me this Sunday as I heard the lector read, from Isaiah at Mass.
You shall be called “My Delight, “and your land “Espoused.”
For the LORD delights in you, and makes your land his spouse.
I thought, How our Father must touch His “delight.” When I was reaching for my son, it was so natural and subconscious. It was ordinary moments, he might just be standing next to me, and I would squeeze his arm, or hold his hand. When I was young, I would have playful moments in the wind, imagining God touching me with the wind. I wonder though how He communicates His touch to me today. How does He tangibly manifest His delight. I think the Sacraments are an easy answer, but where are His Spontaneous touches? The wind? Prayer? Adoration? An inspiration of a friend in a note, an invitation, a comment? An awareness of His presence within, or in nature? Being moved and filled with joy? An epiphany?
My son often didn’t even notice my touch, but it was pretty cool, when he did, and rewarded me with a smile. So today, I’m going to work on noticing, and smile.
Veronicas Veil 