We are called to be Christ’s hands in the world. Today’s reflection invites us to explore the ways that our hands can bear witness, spread joy, and reveal God’s presence to others.

May 10, 2026: Sixth Sunday of Easter, Year A
Acts 8:5–8, 14–17
Psalm 66:1–7, 16, 20
1 Peter 3:15–18
John 14:15–21

Spirit-ful Hands of Witness

After reading and rereading the passages for today, I decided to take a different approach for reflection, inspired by Ignatian/Jesuit practice of letting one’s spirit wander and wonder with a word from a passage. I invite you to join me in wandering and wondering with the image of hands.

Take a moment to center yourself and breathe. Look at your hands, take in your nails, become aware of the joints, muscles, and bones. Flip them over to appreciate your palms…the lines, the fleshier parts, your fingerprints. Ask yourself about the blood, both metaphorical and literal, that runs deep in your veins.

As you reflect on your hands, ask yourself:

What miracles have your hands created? A miracle doesn’t have to resemble the grand actions of Philip in Samaria; they can be simple and gentle acts that remind others (and yourself) of God’s presence in this world. Perhaps a high-five congratulating a co-worker, washing the dishes while catching up with a loved one after a meal, petting a beloved pet, getting them dirty in the garden while weeding or planting, texting a friend an affirmation, finishing up a report or reflection (even if it’s a wee bit late).

How are your hands witnesses? Perhaps they helped make a sign for a rally in support of LGBTQIA2S+ justice. Maybe they helped pack donations for the unhoused. Perhaps they were clasped in prayer as you lifted up intentions of solidarity with those being targeted by anti-immigration efforts. How are our hands doing good?

How are your hands spreading joy? Maybe by being raised up, cheering at a concert or sports game, or by holding the door for a neighbor whose arms are filled with groceries Perhaps by lifting up in praise at a worship service, interlocking with others at a rally, or writing a check (or entering your credit card information) to give a donation to an organization.

How are our hands sources of joy for others, and how are they sources of care for ourselves? Taking our meds, rubbing in moisturizer, pouring water into a cup, holding them over a sore muscle, placing them gently on our chest to embrace ourselves. How are our hands spreading joy?

Our hands are one of the instruments through which the Spirit reveals God’s ongoing presence in this world. They give, receive, express, create, and affirm love in so many different ways. How are your hands filled with the Spirit, and how do they continue the witness of the Apostles, disciples, Saints and saints, ancestors, transcestors, and queercestors?

Amen.

mx. delfin w. bautista, MSW, MDiv. (they/elle/delfin) is a native of Miami, FL, is of Cuban and Salvadoran heritage, and currently serves as the Director for the Lionel Cantu Queer Resource Center at UC-Santa Cruz. A social worker and activist theologian, delfin is passionate about intersectional justice and resilience, especially around the experiences of queer people of color. delfin currently serves on the board of directors for enfleshed.