From today’s reading...
and when they acknowledged the grace that had been given to me, then James and Cephas and John, who were the ones recognised as pillars, offered their right hands to Barnabas and to me as a sign of partnership: we were to go to the gentiles and they to they to the circumcised.” Galatians 2:9
Paul was an unknown entity to many of the apostles and early followers of Jesus, but they knew who Saul was, so it’s not surprising that it took 14 years before this meeting was held between Paul and the Church leaders in Jerusalem.
Paul wanted peace and unity, and he wanted the blessing, support, and encouragement of these Church leaders, which they gave him by offering their hands, which was the touch of Jesus for Paul, who had never met Jesus while He walked the earth.
If this seems like Confirmation or Holy Orders, you’re right.
Jesus was a real, physical human being. He healed by touch, and He gave those He chose to do the same, which is the only way to maintain unity in the Church, which is the only way to...
Stay the course.
Keep the faith.
Endure.
Now go sell something.