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PRAYER FOR THE WEEK
Jesus, help me be careful when I touch things and people, so I can use my sense of touch more. Amen!

The Apostles were still sad because Jesus had died, when Jesus came into the room with them! "Why are you sad?" He asked. "I'm not a ghost; it's really me. Touch me and see." He ate some food to show He was alive, then helped them understand why He died and came back to life. "I told you that this would happen to me," He said; "now remember it."

How often are you told not to touch things? It's hard to resist touching something that's pretty or interesting -- and touching things helps you understand them better than just looking or listening. That's why some museums have "hands-on" exhibits kids can touch.

This week's Gospel (Luke 24:35-48) is about understanding by using all five senses. Jesus has died and come back to life, but when He appears to the Apostles, they don't understand what they're seeing. Jesus talks to them about what happened, but they still don't get it.

Finally, Jesus tells them to go ahead and touch Him. He even eats a piece of fish to show He's not a ghost. Now, the Apostles have seen Him, heard Him talk, smelled and tasted the same fish He ate -- and, especially, they've touched Him. That reassures them He's really alive again, and they're joyful!

When a kid touches something (or someone), an adult will often remind you to be careful or gentle, so the person or thing doesn't get hurt or broken. Being able to touch is a special privilege, as you know because of all the things you're not allowed to touch!

Jesus let people touch Him. He knew that, if His followers touched Him after He came back to life, they would really understand He was alive. God is "hands-on," because He wants to be close to us![[In-content Ad]]

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