Now, some may agree that the weight of the story falls on the physical healing. While I do agree that this healing is quite important and life-changing, I can’t help but think about the spiritual impact of touching His robe.
We know when a seed is planted and cared for, it bears fruit, vegetables, flowers, herbs—all evidence of growth. In the same way, there is a direct correlation between an encounter with God and a spiritual harvest. It should be as simple as cause and effect, and yet sometimes it is not.
Many proclaim to have touched His robe, yet the question remains: Whose hem have they touched? The hem of Christ or the hem of their ego.
What happens to us, metaphorically speaking, when we come in direct contact with His robe? Is this transformative encounter measurable? To find the answer, I went to the source. What does Christian scripture say?
I believe that scripture points us to the Beatitudes as a resource for transformation.
Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
—Matthew 5:1–10
In the Beatitudes, we are promised comfort as we mourn the unjust ways of this world—a mourning that brings with it the recognition of our need for transformation. There is a call to hunger for justice—for all, not just for a select few.
There is a call for a pure heart; a heart led by peace, prayer, and resistance of all that stands in opposition to the very essence of the Beatitudes. The call is honest about the cost of seeking justice—persecution. Standing up for what is right won’t always be easy. Many will stand in opposition to what we believe to be a true robe transformation. However, an inheritance is promised in the Beatitudes— the Kingdom of Heaven. Justice will prevail! But we don’t have to wait—we can be an active part of the change, now! We can experience His will on earth as it is in Heaven (Matthew 6:10).
We are called to experience a true robe transformation—from a life soaked in the habits of a self-serving ego to a life anchored in the Spirit. We are called to a life that longs for a deep connection with our Creator. We are called to a life that steadily journeys toward the fulfillment of the Beatitudes.
We are called to take a stand. We are called to a life where all are equal, all are loved, all are welcomed. We are called to a life of humility, justice, and mercy (Micah 6:8).
A true robe transformation is measurable. Don’t believe me. Believe the Beatitudes. They say it way better than I ever could.
-Maria Perez-Gomez, Director of Vive
