Touchstone of Love

An opal is one of the less lustrous gems to be found in any jewelry store. But it is called the "sympathetic jewel" because it bursts into colorful iridescence when it is warmed by human touch.

Persons too are "warmed" by human touch. The earliest stage of love is the tactile stage, when our love development is set into motion the first moment we feel our mother's gentle caress. Through the skin, with its millions of small receptors, we most directly contact the world around us. It is the organ by which we first experience care and tenderness.

Throughout life this sense of touch remains important in human - and even animal - relationships. When physical touch is not appropriate, one can touch the hearts of others with exquisite sensitivity. Sensitive persons are always aware of how brusque words, actions, or even tone of voice may hurt others, and how respect and gentleness can support and encourage and heal.

Think for a moment of those you encounter at home or at work or elsewhere. How have you been "in touch" with them - by kindly gesture, compliment, encouragement, or gift of time? Resolve to "reach out and touch" them. Envelop them with a touch of expressed love, as the situation allows. As Shakespeare wrote in Two Gentlemen of Verona, "They do not love that do not show their love."

This excerpt is from the book One-Minute Meditations for Busy People, by John H. Hampsch, C.M.F., originally published by Servant Publications. It and other of Fr. Hampsch's books and audio/video recordings can be purchased from Claretian Teaching Ministry, 20610 Manhattan Pl, #120, Torrance, CA 90501-1863. Phone 1-310-782-6408 or www.Catholicbooks.net