A Joyous Celebration

In one of Rembrandt’s etchings, there is no halo around the Lord’s head, but there is one around His hand. Over the years, critics have debated Rembrandt’s reason for doing this. But there can be no debate over the meaning of that symbolism for us. Jesus’ hands are holy hands. Jesus’ hands are sacred hands. Jesus used His holy, sacred hands as instruments of service. Jesus used His holy, sacred hands to heal the sick, transform death into life, give sight to the blind. Jesus used His holy, sacred hands to bless, break and give to His disciples the five loaves and fishes that fed many thousands.

In today’s Gospel Lesson, after Jesus has preached to the thousands of people who had been following Him, and after He has cured those in need of healing, the Apostles say to Him: “Send the people away, and they can go into the villages and farms round about, to find lodging and food; for we are here in…