I didn't watch the 'Nick & Nigel Show', as Messrs. Clegg and Farage argued about Europe and our connections with its institutions. But Nigel Farage appears to be in touch with what lots of people believe about Europe.
But it is not only politicians who are often seen as disconnected and out of touch from ordinary life. Most of the public assume that 'the Church' (and all of us who represent that group) are disconnected and out of touch, and therefore we seem irrelevant.
How different was Jesus!
He spent his time mixing with ordinary people, and offended the religious hierarchy because he spent time in the wrong company. But even worse was that he broke almost all of their precious little rules! (My sort of guy!)
'A man with leprosy came and knelt in front of Jesus, begging to be healed. “If you are willing, you can heal me and make me clean,” he said.
Moved with compassion, Jesus reached out and touched him. “I am willing,” he said. “Be healed!”Instantly the leprosy disappeared, and the man was healed.' (Mark 1.39-41)
Jesus was sufficiently 'in touch' with the lives of ordinary and marginalised people that he encountered this isolated man. Instead of his uncleanness infecting Jesus (which is what everyone believed would happen), the health and wholeness of Jesus was shared with the sick man.
That is what Jesus seemed to be doing throughout the Gospels, as he encountered paralysed, hungry, demon-possessed and sorry people. As Jesus said in a different context, 'My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.' (John 10.10)
This is of course what all of us are called to be doing. To follow Jesus in being 'in touch' both literally and in our actions and attitudes. Then we too can bring health and wholeness to those around us.
What a great privilege!
Best wishes,
Richard
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