Click here for today’s Scripture readings.
Is 35:4-7a
Jas 2:1-5
Mk 7:31-37
We know that Jesus was most compassionate and sensitive to the needs of each person. When a blind man, who also had a speech impediment, is brought to him for healing we see another example of his compassion. He takes the man aside from the crowd touches his ears and his tongue and heals him. The man sees and speaks clearly.
Comfort and solace for ourselves is found in Isaiah 35: 5-6 where we are told that one way we would recognize the promised Redeemer would be, “Then the eyes of the blind shall see, and the ears of the deaf be opened; Then the lame shall leap like a stag, and the mute tongue sing for joy.”
Are we not at times blind to what Jesus is trying to show us and seem to have a speech impediment when it comes to publically professing our faith? We need to have our blinders removed and our speech strengthened.
We happen to live in a culture so selfish and self-centered that we can become deaf to the word of God. We live in a culture so fast-paced, materialistic and worldly that we become afraid to speak of our beliefs.
Friends brought the man to Jesus and asked him to lay his hand on him. They were astonished; they asked for a blessing and witnessed a miracle!
Who will we bring us to Jesus, and who will we bring to Jesus, so that ears may be opened to hear and tongues loosened to proclaim the truth? We too come asking Jesus for a blessing while hoping to be astonished by a miracle.
May our prayer be, ‘Lord open my ears and loosen my tongue so that I may hear your word and proclaim your truth.’
Oh to hear and speak!
- Fr. Stephen Haslach, C.P.
