How did Maharaj interact with people who were sick or had worldly problems? Was he distant?

Maharaj was far from distant; he engaged directly and compassionately with those around him. As noted in Chapter 0, he had a daily routine with a gentleman named Bhagoji Shinde, who was afflicted with leprosy. Maharaj never showed any disgust, allowing Bhagoji to untie his bandages and press his body. Furthermore, the text mentions that a very large proportion of devotees came to him with worldly desires (Sakam). Instead of dismissing them, Maharaj would satisfy their desires and then skillfully and "seamlessly turned their minds toward ultimate welfare," demonstrating his mission was to help everyone.