The Healing Touch of Jesus

January 09, 2026 Friday after Epiphany
Daily Readings: 1 John 5:5-13; Luke 5:12-16

Children of God: January 9 in the Philippines is the Feast of the Black Nazarene. The image of Jesus carrying the cross traces its history to the early 17th century. It was brought from Mexico to Manila in 1606 aboard a galleon during the Spanish period. Over the years, the image survived fires and earthquakes, and its dark color became a powerful symbol of a suffering Christ who shares the wounds, burdens, and struggles of His people. On the Feast of the Black Nazarene, millions of devotees gather in Manila to honor Jesus carrying the cross. People brave heat, fatigue, and danger just to come close, to touch the image, believing that even a brief contact can bring healing, forgiveness, and hope. This devotion reveals a deep Filipino faith in a God who is not distant, but who enters suffering and walks with His people.

This is a daily life event for Jesus. In the gospel, a man covered with leprosy approaches Jesus. Lepers were considered ritually unclean and were forced to live on the margins of society. Yet this man kneels before Jesus and says, “Lord, if you wish, you can make me clean” (Luke 5:12). His prayer is simple and trusting. He believes not only in Jesus’ power, but also in His mercy.

Jesus responds with an action that breaks social and religious barriers. He stretches out His hand and touches the man, saying, “I do will it. Be made clean” (Luke 5:13). The touch is as important as the healing. Jesus is not afraid of impurity or suffering. He restores the man’s health, dignity, and place in the community.

This gesture helps us understand the devotion to the Black Nazarene. Filipinos brave long hours, danger, and exhaustion because they believe in a God who allows Himself to be touched, a God who carries the cross with them. The devotion expresses a longing for closeness to Christ, especially in moments of pain, illness, and despair.
Children of God: the gospel reminds us that Jesus is still reaching out to heal and restore. Like the leper and like the devotees of the Nazareno, we are invited to approach Him with humility and faith. And as we receive His mercy, we are called to extend the same healing touch to others.