The power of the Stretched Hand of Jesus

Gospel Thoughts

*First Week : Thursday*

*GOSPEL - Mk 1:40-45*

*First Reading - Heb 3:7-14*

*The power of the Stretched Hand of Jesus*

*1) The meaning of the stretched or raised Hand*

The raised hand of God is the Symbol of  blessing or protection

There are many instances in the bible to prove this fact 

With a mighty hand and outstretched arm; His love endures forever - Ps 136:12 

“O Sovereign LORD! You made the heavens and earth by your strong hand and powerful arm - Ps  32:17

Though  I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life. You stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes; with your right hand you save me - 138:7.

*2) Jesus stretched His hand towards the Leper*

Before Jesus touched the leper He stretched out his hand. 

This gesture of Jesus could be understood as blessing the leper 

When Jesus raises His Hand it is only to bless and protect the people. So it is very clear that it Jesus blessed the leper 

*3) The Touch of Jesus*

The touch of Jesus was very powerful. It was not an ordinary touch, rather it was a divine touch, which cure the leper

The touch of Jesus became a medium to pass the divine power into the life of the leper, which ultimately cured the Leper. 

*4) Divine touch is very powerful* 

When we see the life of the leper, we see that divine touch is very powerful 

Wherever Jesus went, and whomever He touched, the divine power went out of Him, which cured many. 

So that is the power of the divine touch.

 

*5) Raising of the Hand should only to bless others*

The primary purpose of the hand and the raising of the hand is only to bless and help 

Jesus through His hands either blessed, or helped someone or protected someone. 

So the purpose of our hands is very clear. It is to bless and protect others 

*6) How do I use my hands?*

Hands are the greatest gift of God to us. With hands we do a lot of things. 

Our parents and elders give God's blessings through thier hands. So it is very important to know the value of the hand, which brings us the blessing of the Lord.

How do I use my hands? Have I realised that even my hands have lot the capacity to transmit God's power

How do I value my hand? 

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*