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Good morning.
A little while ago I visited the British Museum. I found myself standing in awe in front of the Rosetta Stone, the inscribed tablet that provided a step change in Western understanding of Ancient Egyptian language and civilization.  We expect ancient relics or manuscripts like this to be kept behind glass.  Some objects are so historic, so significant or so valuable that it would seem almost sacrilegious to touch them. 
Religions often restrict touch as a way of preserving the holiness of sacred places and objects.  The book of Samuel tells an extraordinary story about the Ark of the Covenant. The Ark embodied the presence of God amongst his people.  Once, when it was being transported to Jerusalem, a bearer named Uzzah was struck dead by God simply because he touched the Ark. The disproportionate punishment for poor Uzzah simply emphasises the holiness of the object.  No-one could make physical contact with God and expect to live.     
Which is why some of the stories of Jesus are so remarkable.  He allows a woman to anoint his feet; he invites doubting Thomas to put his finger into the wounds in his hands; when parents bring their children to him he places his hands on them to bless them.  The central scandal of the Christian faith is that God has touched the earth – and that in Jesus, human beings are invited to touch God.
Creator God, your power and glory fill the heavens, and we have no right to approach you.  And yet you invite us to know you, to see you, and to love you in our sisters and brothers.  Whoever I may meet today Lord, help me to stand in awe of them, knowing that in meeting your people, I am meeting you.  Amen.