The disciples have seen Jesus in all his glory. “His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light”. Then they heard the voice of God declaring, “This is my Son”. Their beloved teacher and friend has revealed himself.
Overwhelmed by the revelation and the shattering of their idea of Jesus, the disciples react
in fear. They turn away, falling face down in fear. Yet, Jesus reaches out and touches them. “Do not be afraid”, he says.
We, too, may have had a rare glimpse of or encounter with God’s divine mystery that has left us breathless and in awe. This momentary encounter with the one true God changes us forever. We can react by clinging to the exquisite gift, which ultimately only stops us from moving forward.
Or our human response to something so big may be fear. We turn away in flight mode, running from the transformation that such an encounter may have on us. We fear that we are inadequate, unworthy and unprepared for being in the presence of God and what God might ask of us.
Yet, Jesus reaches out and touches me. “Do not be afraid”, he says to me. Jesus’ reassuring presence and touch tell me that
he is still the same friend and teacher whom I have come to know and love. Jesus’ touch strengthens and supports me to keep moving forward—towards the needs of the world, bringing my encounter with God with me.
Is there something that is making me turn away from God in fear?
Can I allow Jesus to touch me, to physically be with me and to help me move forward?
