Close Encounters

 1Samuel 24:3-21

Today I am writing about 'close encounters', not of the third kind as in the science-fiction movie, but encounters with the Lord.

We hear in chapter 24 of Samuel, about David's 'close encounter' with Saul. Saul is once again obsessed with tracking down David and killing him.

Let's enter into the story where we discover that Saul has indeed found the hiding place of David. In a surprising turn of events, David chooses not to reveal his presence. Instead David quietly approaches hidden in the darkness of the cave to cut off the end of Saul's cloak...our first 'close encounter'.

David wants to prove to Saul that he was indeed close enough to kill him, but he does not commit the evil act. Through the grace of God David stops himself from this disaster. Later Saul, most touched with David's ability to hear the Lord and act accordingly, admits that he was wrong.

Now jump with me into the Gospel of Mark 5: 25-34. Here we have the well known story of the hemorrhagic woman. In this scene we have Jesus walking with a crowd of his followers. Hearing of his healing powers this woman who had been suffering for twelve years scrambles through the crowd to touch just the tip of his garment. She believes if she can just touch the bottom of his clothing she will be healed. Another 'close encounter'! this time we have a physical healing and Jesus feels his power being tapped into. Jesus immediately aks, 'Who has touched me?'

I am struck by the parallels in these two stories. The first is shrouded in darkness, covered in lies and secrecy. The garment is actually cut and the owner has no idea anything has happened. The crowd here is one of brutal physical strength...soldiers. The intent is to do evil.

The second 'close encounter' is in the daylight filled with faith and hope. The hem of the garment is only briefly touched as Jesus is walking in the crowd. This crowd is surrounding the goodness of God witnessing the healing touch of Jesus. Jesus, realizing what has happened with the touch confirms the womans faith. Jesus blesses her with the words of healing. What a beautiful 'close encounter'!

We too can experience a personal 'close encounter' with God. Each time we attend Mass and receive Eucharist we are having our very own personal 'close encounter'.

My question is are we like Saul unaware of the Lord's presence or are we like the Hemorrhagic Woman eager to be in the presence of the Lord? When we receive Eucharist we are truly having a real personal 'close encounter' with the Lord. He is touching us in the host we receive.

I invite you to joyfully believe that as you recieve the host Jesus desires to have this 'close encounter' with you. We come to the altar of the Lord admidst light and usually song. We do not come as David. We do not come as the bleeding woman. We come because we are children of God and we have been called ny name. We come because we believe in the power of his forgiveness and love.

Original image is of the sanctuary during the Easter season. I chose this image because it is the place where we have our 'close encounter' with God.

This kaleidoscope cpatures for me the light, darkness, and the intimacy of our

'close encounters'.

May you experience the touch of the Lord in your life.