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Sacred Stories | Massaging Souls

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[Jesus] poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet... - John 13:5

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Prior to the pandemic, for more than two decades and nearly 1,800 hours, a volunteer I’ll call Joanna, has been massaging the feet of our patients. I always know it’s Thursday when I see Joanna walking down the hallway, carrying her box of lotions. I have no idea what her age might be. It’s hard to notice anything about her beyond the never-ending smile on her face and the forever sparkle in her eyes.

Joanna is a faithful, humble volunteer who offers a very special kind of healing touch to patients. As she massages the soles of their feet, she touches their souls with peace, comfort, compassion and reverence.

One day I asked Joanna if she had ever had a foot massage herself. Her answer was, “I’ve never had one. I just give them. That makes me feel good.”

Her approach to her work reminds me of the words often attributed to St. Francis of Assisi: “Preach the Gospel always. Use words if you have to.” When I see Joanna, I also think of Jesus washing the feet of his disciples on Holy Thursday.

How fitting that she volunteers on Thursdays.

Shared from the Sacred Stories Archive

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Questions for Reflection

Reflect on the times you have received a unique or unusual healing touch in your life. What made that touch effective?

In what ways can you communicate God’s healing presence, with or without words?

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