Touch

One from the archive today, from 21 February 2005.

One of the striking things about feminist theology, such as that of Moltmann-Wendel, is the rediscovery of the way in which the taboos about touch and being unclean are broken, particularly in the gospel of Mark; they are notably toned down or removed in Matthew. This poem is a reflection of my reading on this subject.

Touch

The woman came, bleeding, touched
The hem of his robe, and he stopped
Asked of the crowd, who just did so
Fearful, she came, trembling, in woe
Lest she be punished, unclean woman

Yet he reached forth, with an abandon
Held her hands, eyes locked together
For a moment; gently, he now tells her
That her faith has cured her, reach out
Touch, and be healed, and never doubt
That none will be excluded, and hands
Reach even over death, promised lands
In which we will know, touch, embrace
Pure, living, personal, loving grace.