Reading 1 Is 35:4-7a

Thus says the LORD:
Say to those whose hearts are frightened:
Be strong, fear not!
Here is your God,
he comes with vindication;
with divine recompense
he comes to save you.
Then will the eyes of the blind be opened,
the ears of the deaf be cleared;
then will the lame leap like a stag,
then the tongue of the mute will sing.
Streams will burst forth in the desert,
and rivers in the steppe.
The burning sands will become pools,
and the thirsty ground, springs of water.

Responsorial Psalm Ps 146:7, 8-9, 9-10

R. (1b) Praise the Lord, my soul!
or:
R. Alleluia.
The God of Jacob keeps faith forever,
secures justice for the oppressed,
gives food to the hungry.
The LORD sets captives free.
R. Praise the Lord, my soul!
or:
R. Alleluia.
The LORD gives sight to the blind;
the LORD raises up those who were bowed down.
The LORD loves the just;
the LORD protects strangers.
R. Praise the Lord, my soul!
or:
R. Alleluia.
The fatherless and the widow the LORD sustains,
but the way of the wicked he thwarts.
The LORD shall reign forever;
your God, O Zion, through all generations. Alleluia.
R. Praise the Lord, my soul!
or:
R. Alleluia.

Reading 2 Jas 2:1-5

My brothers and sisters, show no partiality
as you adhere to the faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ.
For if a man with gold rings and fine clothes
comes into your assembly,
and a poor person in shabby clothes also comes in,
and you pay attention to the one wearing the fine clothes
and say, “Sit here, please, ”
while you say to the poor one, “Stand there, ” or “Sit at my feet, ”
have you not made distinctions among yourselves
and become judges with evil designs?

Listen, my beloved brothers and sisters.
Did not God choose those who are poor in the world
to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom
that he promised to those who love him?

Alleluia cf. Mt 4:23

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Jesus proclaimed the Gospel of the kingdom
and cured every disease among the people.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Mk 7:31-37

Again Jesus left the district of Tyre
and went by way of Sidon to the Sea of Galilee,
into the district of the Decapolis.
And people brought to him a deaf man who had a speech impediment
and begged him to lay his hand on him.
He took him off by himself away from the crowd.
He put his finger into the man’s ears
and, spitting, touched his tongue;
then he looked up to heaven and groaned, and said to him,
“Ephphatha!”— that is, “Be opened!” —
And immediately the man’s ears were opened,
his speech impediment was removed,
and he spoke plainly.
He ordered them not to tell anyone.
But the more he ordered them not to,
the more they proclaimed it.
They were exceedingly astonished and they said,
“He has done all things well.
He makes the deaf hear and the mute speak.”

The Work of God

And looking up to heaven, he groaned, and said to him: Ephpheta, which is, Be opened. - Catholic homilies, sermons, inspirations, gospels

Year B

- 23rd Sunday in ordinary time

And looking up to heaven, he groaned, and said to him: Ephpheta, which is, Be opened.

Mark 7:31-37

31 And again going out of the coasts of Tyre, he came by Sidon to the sea of Galilee, through the midst of the coasts of Decapolis.
32 And they bring to him one deaf and dumb; and they besought him that he would lay his hand upon him.
33 And taking him from the multitude apart, he put his fingers into his ears, and spitting, he touched his tongue:
34 And looking up to heaven, he groaned, and said to him: Ephpheta, which is, Be opened.
35 And immediately his ears were opened, and the string of his tongue was loosed, and he spoke right.
36 And he asked them that they should tell no man. But the more he asked them, so much the more a great deal did they publish it.
37 And so much the more did they wonder, saying: He has done all things well; he has made both the deaf to hear, and the dumb to speak.

Inspiration of the Holy Spirit - From the Sacred Heart of Jesus

23rd Sunday in ordinary time - And looking up to heaven, he groaned, and said to him: Ephpheta, which is, Be opened."> Everyone marveled at my miracles when they realized the power of God manifested in such a supernatural manner. But miracles were not the reason for my coming to the world; they were just an indication to confirm the Word of God made flesh. How many went totally unaware before the heavenly portents that were taking place before them, because, as in all generations, many people preferred to live according to the laws of the flesh and despised the call of God.

My signs demonstrated clearly that I was someone special, the Messiah who was awaited for thousands of years by the Israelites for their liberation. My words were always backed by my power, since I am the Word of God, He who said “Let there be light, and the light was made.”

The divine powers continue to manifest daily, since my word sustains creation by the work of my Holy Spirit. The Divine Mercy is patient and allows human beings to experience God through the triple testimony: of the Father, through creation; of the Son through redemption and of the Holy Spirit though the continuous manifestation of God in each heart.

My Word does not go unaware by any human being, I speak constantly in each heart through my Spirit, I knock on the door inviting the soul to awake spiritually so that it will prepare through my commandments to know me, love me and serve me.

God does not need anybody, however everybody needs God. He who wishes to know me comes close to me and begins the spiritual life. He who loves me receives my love and grows spiritually in holiness. He who serves me receives a reward infinitely greater than his effort.

Nothing exists without the divine consent, and nothing occurs without the permission of the Divine Providence. The offering that I make is for the good of the soul, for the temporal human benefit and for the eternal heavenly reward. My glory is the humility and obedience of all the souls who upon hearing my Word understand the value of my call and follow me.

The miracle of the deaf mute is very significant spiritually, since the majority of human beings suffer spiritual deafness when they reject my voice and spiritual muteness when they don’t speak to me, when they don’t react before the divine greatness expressing their thanksgiving, fidelity and praise.

You, who receive these words, “If today you hear my word, harden not your heart”.

Author: Joseph of Jesus and Mary

Archdiocese of Washington

The Lord Hath Given a Well-Trained Tongue – A Homily for the 23rd Sunday of the Year

Msgr. Charles Pope • September 5, 2015 •

The gospels do not simply tell us stories of people who lived thousands of years ago. No, the gospels tell us our story, and today’s gospel is no different. We encounter a deaf man with a speech impediment living in a pagan land; this man represents each of us. His story is our story. And, if you are prepared to accept it, you are also Jesus, for His story and His work are largely yours, too. Let’s look at today’s gospel, remembering that it is our story.

I. Note first the PLACE of the gospel. The text says that Jesus went into the Decapolis region. This was an area of ten Gentile (pagan) cities. And while there were believers living there, many more did not believe. In other words, Jesus was in a largely unbelieving region.

And for us who live in the West, this atmosphere of unbelief describes our culture, too. Notice that Jesus does not hesitate to go there or to engage the culture—and neither should we. Something drew Him there. What was it? Was it love? Was it zeal?

What is it that keeps us engaged and sends us forth to draw in our increasingly pagan, indeed worse-than-pagan, culture? Is it love? Is it patriotism? Is it love of God and truth? What motivates you to engage family, friends, and neighbors?

Note, too, regardless of where He was, Jesus did not hesitate to proclaim the Gospel. He didn’t simply wait until He found things comfortable or the timing opportune. He proclaimed the Gospel, in season and out season, in friendly lands and in hostile ones, whether He was praised or persecuted. What about you and me?

II. Next, note the PROBLEM that emerges. A man who is deaf and has a speech impediment is brought to Jesus. Frankly, this describes many of us. In the midst of an increasingly unbelieving culture, many of us have become deaf to God’s truth. And on account of that deafness, we have the speech impediment of being silent in the face of this unbelief and sin.

First, some of our deafness is because we haven’t heard. No one ever told us a lot of things due to bad catechesis, etc. Sadly, too many of our pulpits, whether the pulpit in the Church or the pulpit of the family dining room table, have been silent. So, in a certain and very real sense, we have a deafness that has never heard the Word of God.

But some of our deafness is acquired, for though our ears were opened at our Baptism, we haven’t listened; we have turned a deaf ear and been stubborn. Sometimes there is outright rejection of the Word, but even more frequently it is a case of selective resistance. We are like the teenager who only half-listens to his parents. We “tune out” when less appealing aspects of the Word of God confront us. We say, “There goes that preacher again. I understand he has to say stuff like that, but …”

And so we are deaf, either partially or wholly, on account of our own fault or the fault of others who should have preached to us and taught us.

And, on account of this deafness, or at least related to it, we also have a speech impediment. Those who have never heard have a hard time speaking well. The gospel today seems to link the deafness with the speech impediment.

But there are other causes of a speech impediment when it comes to faith. For example, half-hearted listening leads to half-hearted witness or no witness at all. Lukewarm faith can lead us to remain silent even as we see the world around us falling into decay. St. Paul said, Because I believed, I spoke out (2 Cor 4:13). But too many of us believe in a lukewarm way, so we say little, and, frankly, have little to say.

Another huge source of our speech impediment is fear. We are so terrified of what people might say or think that we say nothing at all. The martyrs went to their deaths for the proclamation of the faith but we are afraid of a few raised eyebrows!

Yes, we are a fearful lot, and that fear is rooted in a desperate and unbalanced need to be liked, to fit in, and to be accepted. Well, we need to get a grip now, because the age of the martyrs may be returning to the West. And if our faith is not strong, we will not be strong.

Fear is a huge factor in our speech impediment.

III. Next, note the PROCESS. Jesus is not interested in running a carnival side show. He takes the man away, alone and apart from the crowd. Let’s examine several aspects of this healing.

A. It is PERSONAL. It is personal in two senses. First, He ministers to the man in a way that respects his dignity. Whatever the causes of his deafness and speech impediment, his healing must be a personal walk with the Lord Jesus. And so must yours be. Jesus is not interested in making a spectacle of you. He heals you for your own sake. And if one day you or I should choose to make a witness of our healing, that’s fine. But that is not why the Lord heals us; He heals us for our own sake because He loves us.

Second, the healing is personal in that it is a way of teaching us that it is easier to wear slippers than to carpet the whole world. In other words, the healing of the world can begin with us. It is too easy for us to merely wait and hope that God will raise up the next Fulton J. Sheen. But what if the Lord wants to take you aside? What if He wants to speak a word to you? What if He wants to get your fingers out of your ears? What if He wants to heal your deafness so that His Word is heard loud and clear?

B. It is PICTURESQUE. There are images at work here. There are the fingers in the ears as if Jesus is placing His words in the man’s ears, opening them to God’s Word. The text says that Jesus, spitting, touched the man’s tongue. It’s as if to signify, “from His mouth to yours.” Jesus puts His own words into our mouth. There is also the command, “Be opened,” as if to say, “Open your mind; open your heart,” and thus, “Open your ears; open your mouth.” The problem is not merely a physical one of stopped ears or a lame tongue. The problem is mental and spiritual as well, a closed mind and a closed heart. Thus the Lord says, simply and without qualification, “Be opened.”

C. The healing is PURE. The text says that when the man’s ears were opened and his tongue was loosed, “He spoke plainly.” The Greek word used here is ὀρθῶς (orthos), meaning straight, without deviation, true, or correct. It is the root from which we get the English word “orthodoxy.” And this is important, because we don’t need eloquent heretics. We need eloquent true believers, people who have heard the true and whole Word of God and are ready to articulate what He says rather than some fake or incomplete version of the Lord’s truth. Give us true prophets, O Lord, not false prophets, who say only what we want to hear or who give us only part of the truth.

IV. Finally, note the PROCLAMATION. The text reports ironically, Jesus ordered them not to tell anyone. But the more he ordered them not to, the more they proclaimed it. They were exceedingly astonished and they said, “He has done all things well. He makes the deaf hear and the mute speak.”

What, is the Lord kidding? He has healed a man to hear and speak the Word clearly and then tells him to be quiet? Scholars may differ on the interpretation here, but my interpretation is that the Lord is being intentionally ironic and “tongue in cheek” when he says, smiling, “Not a word to anyone now!”

For, when you’ve experienced really good news it’s hard to stay quiet!

What is your story? How has the Lord opened your ears? How has He increasingly enabled you to hear and understand His Word in your life? And how has He loosed your tongue to speak His Word? I am a witness. I was once a shy and poorly catechized young man, frankly disinterested in the things of God, but was taken aside by the Lord, who put His word in my ear, loosed my tongue, and now can’t get me to shut up. Yes, He has done all things well!

And now a final question: How has Jesus used you to unstop the ears of the deaf, communicate His word, and liberate the tongues of others? Perhaps He has used you as a parent, catechist, priest or religious, choir member, lector, or leader, to unstop ears and liberate tongues. Here, too, I am a witness. Thank you, Lord, for using me to impart knowledge, unstop ears, place Your Word there, and loose tongues. Thank you, Lord. You have done all things well, even through me.

Sunday Gospel Reflections

23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time
Reading I: Isaiah 35:4-7 II: James 2:1-5

Gospel
Mark 7:31-37

³¹ Then he returned from the region of Tyre, and went through Sidon to the Sea of Galilee, through the region of the Decap'olis.
³² And they brought to him a man who was deaf and had an impediment in his speech; and they besought him to lay his hand upon him.
³³ And taking him aside from the multitude privately, he put his fingers into his ears, and he spat and touched his tongue;
³⁴ and looking up to heaven, he sighed, and said to him, "Eph'phatha," that is, "Be opened."
³⁵ And his ears were opened, his tongue was released, and he spoke plainly.
³⁶ And he charged them to tell no one; but the more he charged them, the more zealously they proclaimed it.
³⁷ And they were astonished beyond measure, saying, "He has done all things well; he even makes the deaf hear and the dumb speak."

Interesting Details

Tyre & Sidon were in the gentile area. Mark showed that Jesus was preaching to and healing the gentiles.
In Isaiah 35:5, "the ears of the deaf be cleared" is a sign that God liberates Israel. This miracle points to that passage and reveals that Jesus is the Messiah.
Spitting is a common gesture against evil, used by both common folk and healers.
"Ephphatha" is the original Aramaic word. People believed that the power is in the precise word of the healer, so Mark was careful in preserving the original word.
One reason why Jesus ordered people not to tell about the miracle is that people did not really understand Jesus, because people have not seen his passion, death, and resurrection.
Another reason to keep quiet was that His fame would surpass his humble birth and would create trouble for His ministry, as it happened eventually. It also troubled His family. Yet Jesus' nature is the savior so that it is recognized by all and cannot be hidden.

One Main Point

Jesus is the Savior who heals and liberates His people.

Reflections

How has Jesus touched me, healed me, and liberated me?
Do people see in me a reflection of Jesus' love and freedom, or something else?

Holy Spirit Interactive Kids: A Saint a Day

Blessed Bertrand

Feast Day: September 6
Born: 1195 :: Died: 1230

Bertrand was born in the diocese of Nimes in southern France. At that time France was troubled by religious wars and there was great confusion about the Church's teaching. But Bertrand's parents managed to live a peaceful life and they taught the true faith to their son. He lived a good and holy life, praying constantly even as a young person.

He became a priest at a very early age and joined the missionaries to bring back to the Church the Albigenses who had no respect for authority or life, burned churches and convents and believed in false teachings.

St. Dominic and Blessed Bertrand met as missionaries and became very close friends, traveling, praying and fasting together, offering sufferings for the good of others.

Bertrand saw the holiness of St. Dominic, and the miracles he performed and told people about them. This was God's invitation for him to begin a very important ministry. When he was just 20 years old, he and five other men joined Dominic to form a new religious congregation, the Order of Preachers. They are also called "Dominicans".

Blessed Bertrand was sent to Paris to start the order there. Then St. Dominic called asked Bertrand to go to Bologna and start the order there. Bertrand obeyed happily.

Meanwhile, the Order of Preachers was growing. They preached the Gospel message in the towns and countryside. They wanted people to know and love Jesus.

Bertrand was made the superior of the province in southern France. He lived a simple life and spent his days preaching and helping people grow closer to God. He died while giving a sermon to some at the convent of Notre Dame in 1230. Many miracles still take place when people pray to Blessed Bertrand.

Mark
	English: Douay-Rheims	Latin: Vulgata Clementina	Greek NT: Byzantine/Majority Text (2000)
	Mark 7
31.	And again going out of the coasts of Tyre, he came by Sidon to the sea of Galilee, through the midst of the coasts of Decapolis.	Et iterum exiens de finibus Tyri, venit per Sidonem ad mare Galilææ inter medios fines Decapoleos.	και παλιν εξελθων εκ των οριων τυρου και σιδωνος ηλθεν προς την θαλασσαν της γαλιλαιας ανα μεσον των οριων δεκαπολεως
32.	And they bring to him one deaf and dumb; and they besought him that he would lay his hand upon him.	Et adducunt ei surdum, et mutum, et deprecabantur eum, ut imponat illi manum.	και φερουσιν αυτω κωφον μογγιλαλον και παρακαλουσιν αυτον ινα επιθη αυτω την χειρα
33.	And taking him from the multitude apart, he put his fingers into his ears, and spitting, he touched his tongue:	Et apprehendens eum de turba seorsum, misit digitos suos in auriculas ejus : et exspuens, tetigit linguam ejus :	και απολαβομενος αυτον απο του οχλου κατ ιδιαν εβαλεν τους δακτυλους αυτου εις τα ωτα αυτου και πτυσας ηψατο της γλωσσης αυτου
34.	And looking up to heaven, he groaned, and said to him: Ephpheta, which is, Be thou opened.	et suscipiens in cælum, ingemuit, et ait illi : Ephphetha, quod est, Adaperire.	και αναβλεψας εις τον ουρανον εστεναξεν και λεγει αυτω εφφαθα ο εστιν διανοιχθητι
35.	And immediately his ears were opened, and the string of his tongue was loosed, and he spoke right.	Et statim apertæ sunt aures ejus, et solutum est vinculum linguæ ejus, et loquebatur recte.	και ευθεως διηνοιχθησαν αυτου αι ακοαι και ελυθη ο δεσμος της γλωσσης αυτου και ελαλει ορθως
36.	And he charged them that they should tell no man. But the more he charged them, so much the more a great deal did they publish it.	Et præcepit illis ne cui dicerent. Quanto autem eis præcipiebat, tanto magis plus prædicabant :	και διεστειλατο αυτοις ινα μηδενι ειπωσιν οσον δε αυτος αυτοις διεστελλετο μαλλον περισσοτερον εκηρυσσον
37.	And so much the more did they wonder, saying: He hath done all things well; he hath made both the deaf to hear, and the dumb to speak.	et eo amplius admirabantur, dicentes : Bene omnia fecit : et surdos fecit audire, et mutos loqui.	και υπερπερισσως εξεπλησσοντο λεγοντες καλως παντα πεποιηκεν και τους κωφους ποιει ακουειν και τους αλαλους λαλειν

31. And again, departing from the coasts of Tyre and Sidon, he came unto the sea of Galilee, through the midst of the coasts of Decapolis.
32. And they bring unto him one that was deaf, and had an impediment in his speech; and they beseech him to put his hand upon him.
33. And he took him aside from the multitude, and put his fingers into his ears, and he spit, and touched his tongue;
34. And looking up to heaven, he sighed, and said to him, Ephphatha, that is, Be opened.
35. And straightway his ears were opened, and the string of his tongue was loosed, and he spoke plain.
36. And he charged them that they should tell no man: but the more he charged them, so much the more a great deal they published it;
37. And were beyond measure astonished, saying, He has done all things well: he makes both the deaf to hear, and the dumb to speak.

THEOPHYL. The Lord did, not wish to stay in the parts of the Gentiles, lest He should give the Jews occasion to say, that they esteemed Him a transgressor of the law, because He held communion with the Gentiles, and therefore He immediately returns; wherefore it is said, And again departing from the coasts of Tyre, he came through Sidon, to the sea of Galilee, through the midst of the borders of Decapolis.

BEDE; Decapolis is a region of ten cities, across the Jordan, to the east, over against Galilee . When therefore it is said that the Lord came to the sea of Galilee, through the midst of the borders of Decapolis, it does not mean that He entered the confines of Decapolis themselves; for He is not said to have crossed the sea, but rather to have come to the borders of the sea, and to have reached quite up to the place, which was opposite to the midst of the coasts of Decapolis, which were situated at a distance across the sea.

It goes on, And they bring him one that was deaf and dumb, and they besought him to lay hands upon him.

THEOPHYL. Which is rightly placed after the deliverance of one possessed with a devil, for such an instance of suffering came from the devil. There follows, And he took him aside from the multitude, and put his fingers into his ears.

PSEUD-CHRYS. He takes the deaf and dumb man who was brought to Him apart from the crowd, that He might not do His divine miracles openly; teaching us to cast away vain glory and swelling of heart, for no one can work miracles as he can, who loves humility and is lowly in his conduct. But He puts His fingers into his ears, when He might have cured him with a word, to show that His body, being united to Deity, was consecrated by Divine virtue, with all that He did. For since on account of the transgression of Adam, human nature had incurred much suffering and hurt in its members and senses, Christ coming into the world showed the perfection of human nature in Himself, and on this account opened ears with His fingers, and gave the power of speech by His spittle. Wherefore it goes on, And spit, and touched his tongue.

THEOPHYL. That He might show that all the members of His sacred body are divine and holy, even the spittle which loosed the string of the tongue. For the spittle is only the superfluous moisture of the body, but in the Lord all things are divine. It goes on, And looking up to haven, he groaned, and said to him, Ephphatha, that is, Be opened.

BEDE; He looked up to heaven, that He might teach us that thence is to be procured speech for the dumb, hearing for the deaf, health for all who are sick. And He sighed, not that it was necessary for Him to beg any thing from His Father with groaning, for He, together with the Father, gives all things to them who ask, but that He might give us an example of sighing, when for our own errors and those of our neighbors, we invoke the guardianship of the Divine mercy.

PSEUD-CHRYS. He at the same time also groaned, as taking our cause upon Himself, and pitying human nature, seeing the misery into which it had fallen.

BEDE; But that which He says, Ephphatha, that is, Be opened, belongs properly to the ears, for the ears are to be opened for hearing, but the tongue to be loosed from the bonds of its impediment, that it may be able to speak.

Wherefore it goes on, And straightway his ears were opened, and the string of his tongue was loosed, and he spoke plain. Where each nature of one and the same Christ is manifestly distinct, looking up indeed, into Heaven as man, praying unto God, He groaned, but presently with one word, as being strong in the Divine Majesty, He healed.

It goes on, And be charged them that they should tell to man.

PSEUD-CHRYS. By which He has taught us not to boast in our powers, but in the cross and humiliation. He also bade them conceal the miracle, lest He should excite the Jews by envy to kill Him before the time.

PSEUDO-JEROME; A city, however, placed on a hill cannot be hid, and lowliness always comes before glory . Wherefore it goes on, But the more he charged them, so much the more a great deal they published it.

THEOPHYL. By this we are taught , when we confer benefits on any, by no means to seek for applause and praise; but when we have received benefits, to proclaim and praise our benefactors, even though they be unwilling.

AUG. If however He, as one Who knew the present and the future wills of men, knew that they would proclaim Him the more in proportion as He forbade them, why did He give them this command? If it were not that He wished to prove to men who are idle, how much more joyfully, with how such greater obedience, they whom He commands to proclaim Him should preach, when they who were forbidden could not hold their peace.

GLOSS. From the preaching however of those who were healed by Christ, the wonder of the multitude, and their praise of the benefits of Christ, increased. Wherefore it goes on, And they were beyond measure astonished, saying, He has done all things well; he makes the deaf to hear, and the dumb to speak.

PSEUDO-JEROME; Mystically, Tyre is interpreted narrowness, and signifies Judea, to which the Lord said, "For the bed is grown too narrow," and from which he turns himself to the Gentiles. Sidon means' hunting,' for our race is like an untamed beast, and 'sea,' which means a wavering inconstancy. Again, the Savior comes to save the Gentiles in the midst of the coasts of Decapolis, which may be interpreted, as the commands of the Decalogue. Further, the human race throughout its many members is reckoned as one man, eaten up by varying pestilence, in the first created man; it is blinded, that is, its eye is evil; it becomes deaf, when it listens to, and dumb when it speaks, evil. And they prayed Him to lay His hand upon him, because many just men, and patriarchs, wished and longed for the time when the Lord should come in the flesh.

BEDE; Or he is deaf and dumb who neither has ears to hear the words of God, nor opens his mouth to speak them, and such must be presented to the Lord for healing, by men who have already learned to hear and speak the divine oracles.

PSEUDO-JEROME; Further, he who obtain healing is always drawn aside from turbulent thoughts, disorderly actions, and incoherent speeches. And the fingers which are put into the ears are the words and the gifts of the Holy Ghost, whom it is said, This is the finger of God. The spittle is heavenly wisdom, which loosens the sealed lips of the human race, so that it can say, I believe in God, the Father Almighty and the rest of the Creed. And looking up to heaven, he groaned, that is, He taught us to groan, and to raise up the treasures of our hearts to the heavens; because by the groaning of hearty compunction, the silly joy of the flesh is purged away. But the ears are opened to hymns, and songs, and psalms; and He looses the tongue, that it may pour forth the good word, which neither threats nor stripes can restrain.

Catena Aurea Mark 7

Day 249 - Jesus Departs for Galilee // Jesus Heals an Official’s Son

Today’s Reading: John 4:43-54
43 After the two days he departed to Galilee. 44 For Jesus himself testified that a prophet has no honor in his own country. 45 So when he came to Galilee, the Galileans welcomed him, having seen all that he had done in Jerusalem at the feast, for they too had gone to the feast.

46 So he came again to Cana in Galilee, where he had made the water wine. And at Caper’na-um there was an official whose son was ill. 47 When he heard that Jesus had come from Judea to Galilee, he went and begged him to come down and heal his son, for he was at the point of death. 48 Jesus therefore said to him, “Unless you see signs and wonders you will not believe.” 49 The official said to him, “Sir, come down before my child dies.”
50 Jesus said to him, “Go; your son will live.” The man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him and went his way. 51 As he was going down, his servants met him and told him that his son was living. 52 So he asked them the hour when he began to mend, and they said to him, “Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him.” 53 The father knew that was the hour when Jesus had said to him, “Your son will live”; and he himself believed, and all his household.
54 This was now the second sign that Jesus did when he had come from Judea to Galilee.

Today’s Commentary:
a prophet has no honor: A similar proverb is uttered when Jesus is rejected by his hometown of Nazareth (Lk 4:24).

The remark resonates with bitter irony: although Jesus is a Jew (4:9), he is rejected by kinsmen from his own country of Judea (4:3, 47).

the second sign: Despite numerous signs performed in Jerusalem (2:23), this is only the second performed in Galilee (2:11).

Catholic Culture

Ordinary Time: September 6th

Twenty-Third Sunday of Ordinary Time

Daily Readings for: September 06, 2015
(Readings on USCCB website)

Collect: O God, by whom we are redeemed and receive adoption, look graciously upon your beloved sons and daughters, that those who believe in Christ may receive true freedom and an everlasting inheritance. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

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Old Calendar: Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost

And they brought to him a man who was deaf and had an impediment in his speech; and they besought him to lay his hand upon him. And taking him aside from the multitude privately, he put his fingers into his ears, and he spat and touched his tongue; and looking up to heaven, he sighed, and said to him, "Eph'phatha," that is, "Be opened." And his ears were opened, his tongue was released, and he spoke plainly (Mark 7:32-35).

Click here for commentary on the readings in the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite.

Sunday Readings
The first reading is taken from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah 35:4-7 and contains the beautiful verse, "Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, the ears of the deaf unsealed, then the lame shall leap like a deer and the tongues of the dumb sing for joy; for water gushes in the desert, streams in the wasteland, the scorched earth becomes a lake, the parched land springs of water.

The second reading is from the Letter of St. James 2:1-5. "It was those who are poor according to the world that God chose, to be rich in faith and to be the heirs to the kingdom which he promised to those who love him." The subject is that we should not grade people according to external appearance, for a person's quality is something that derives from his union with God—the more humble and understanding he is, the more honor he deserves.

The Gospel is from St. Mark 7:31-37. During his discussion with the Samaritan woman at the well of Jacob, our Lord told her that "salvation was to come from the Jews" (Jn. 4 : 22). This was in accordance with God's plan when he took Abraham from his pagan family and surroundings, and elected him to be the father of a Chosen People from whom God's blessing would come for all nations (Gn. 12: 1-4). This was the historic beginning of "salvation" for men. It was, as yet, a vague generic promise but down through the following eighteen-century history of the Chosen People (Abraham's descendants) this blessing eventually became crystallized in the Messiah — the anointed and holy one of God. It was He who would introduce the messianic age of which the prophets so often had spoken, and it was in Him that all peoples, Jews and Gentiles, would find their true "blessing."

It was right and fitting, therefore, that Christ should proclaim his kingdom and his Gospel among the Jews and in their promised land. Those who would accept him and his message would later spread the good news among the Gentile nations. This is what happened. His Apostles, including St. Paul, and the faithful disciples having done their best for their fellow-Jews, left Palestine and carried the great news of the incarnation — a blessing greater than any man could have imagined — to the pagan peoples of the then-known world. It was surely from the Jews that salvation came to us Gentiles.

While Christ reserved his preaching to the Jews according to God's plan, he visited some of the Gentile lands bordering on Palestine — Tyre, Sidon, Phoenicia, the Decapolis — and worked some miracles there. However, he did not preach to them. This exception — going into pagan lands — was evidently important to St. Mark, for he goes into details in describing the faith of the people of the place who asked for a miracle, and their enthusiastic reaction to Christ's power when he did what they requested. Mark himself knew very well that Christ was fulfilling the divine plan when he restricted his preaching to the Jews, and that he had given a command to his Apostles to bring his Gospel to all nations (Mk. 16: 16). Possibly, however, some of his Gentile converts were questioning why Christ had not come to the Gentiles but spent all his public life in Palestine. In this short episode, Mark shows that Christ was interested indeed in Gentiles and showed his compassion for them by working miracles for them.

We have much for which to thank God the Father, Christ and the good Jews who preached the Gospel to our ancestors. We should not think of questioning why Jesus spent his short public life trying to convert his fellow-Jews. God thought of us from all eternity — the incarnation was his way of giving a truly satisfying meaning to the life of man — the masterpiece and master of all his creation. It has given us a new status in life, a new purpose and an end worth every effort we can muster to gain. Life, with its trials and troubles and its brevity, has a meaning, a profound meaning, for Christians — it is a short period of preparation for the future which awaits us after death if we use it properly.

Christ who carried out his Father's will even unto the death on the cross, deserves our unending gratitude. Eternity will not be long enough for us to thank and praise him. If ever we are tempted to be in any way anti-semitic let us first remember those of God's Chosen People who preserved the knowledge of God and trust in his promises until the time of their fulfillment had come. Secondly, we must never forget the Apostles and disciples of Christ who devoted and gave their lives in order to bring the Christian faith to us. The best way to show appreciation of a gift is to use it fully and gratefully. Let us make full use of the divine gift of salvation by living according to its teaching all the days of our lives.

Excerpted from The Sunday Readings by Fr. Kevin O'Sullivan, O.F.M.

Things to Do: Spend time meditating on today's readings; Take this Bible Study Course from St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church.

The Word Among Us

Meditation: Isaiah 35:4-7

23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Say to those whose hearts are frightened: Be strong, fear not! (Isaiah 35:4)

Today’s readings sketch some scenes from the life that God wants for all of us: a life of freedom, strength, and generosity. At the same time, they show how fear can be a hindrance to entering fully into that life. In the second reading, for instance, James exhorts us to welcome the needy and the outcast. But do you ever find that fear is keeping you from embracing the unfamiliar? Or maybe you feel nervous asking for miracles as boldly as Jesus does in the Gospel reading.

There are hundreds of occasions in the Bible when God tells someone “Fear not,” and for good reason. Just the thought of encountering God in all his glory can be unsettling! But there’s a twist in today’s first reading. God doesn’t just tell the Israelites not to be afraid. He wants them to say the same thing to the people around them. That’s because he knows how helping someone else to overcome fear is one of the best ways to conquer it in your own life.

Do you find that anxiety is a recurring theme when you talk with your friends, neighbors, or workmates? Whether it’s stories in the news or concerns over relationships or finances, much of our daily conversation can be spent expressing fear. Turn those conversations upside down by sharing an encouraging story. It could be how you saw God work in your life or the life of a loved one. It could be a new insight from Scripture. It could even be one of the stories you’ve read in this magazine! God hasn’t just commanded us not to be afraid. He has given us thousands of good reasons to live fearlessly. Then watch as your own heart swells with encouragement—and the people around you brighten up as well.

Make a list today of some of the stories you could have “up your sleeve” that will help encourage the fainthearted—including yourself.

“Lord, you are always at work to overcome fear in my life. Help me to live courageously, always ready to encourage the people around me.”

Psalm 146:7-10
James 2:1-5
Mark 7:31-37

Questions for Reflection or Group Discussion:

Mass Readings:
1st Reading: Isaiah 35:4-7
Responsorial: Psalm 146:7-10
2nd Reading: James 2:1-5
Gospel: Mark 7:31-37

1. The first reading from Isaiah begins with these powerful words from the Lord: “Say to those whose hearts are frightened: Be strong, fear not! Here is your God, he comes with vindication; with divine recompense he comes to save you.” In what ways have you received encouragement from God in a time of trial as you prayed or read Scripture.

2. The Responsorial Psalm speaks of God’s great love and care for the needy, in particular, those who are oppressed, hungry, captive, blind, bowed down, fatherless, and widows. In what ways has Jesus Christ fulfilled this Psalm (and the first reading as well)? Of course, as Christians, we are called to reflect God’s love to others. What are some things you can do to better reflect God’s love and care for the needy?

3. In the second reading, we are told to “show no partiality,” especially between the rich and the poor. Why do you think this is important to God? Why should it be important to us as Christians? How well are you doing at showing “no partiality”?

4. In the Gospel, Jesus heals a deaf man with a speech impediment. In what ways are the healings of Jesus a fulfillment of Old Testament prophesies about the Messiah and signs of his divine nature? (Hint: see the first reading from Isaiah.) Do you believe that our prayers can be instruments of healing, and a reflection of Jesus’ compassion, in the lives of the sick? Have you ever experienced a time when your prayers for healing were answered? What keeps you from praying more often for others for healing?

5. The meditation begins by reminding us of “the life that God wants for all of us: a life of freedom, strength, and generosity.” It goes on to challenge us with these words regarding overcoming fear: “God hasn’t just commanded us not to be afraid. He has given us thousands of good reasons to live fearlessly.” How would you describe some of these reasons, including some from your own life?

6. Take some time now to pray and ask Jesus for the grace to overcome any fears in your life and the grace to live a life of faith, freedom, courage, and generosity. Use the prayer at the end of the meditation as the starting point.

A Christian Pilgrim

THERE WAS NO FAVORITISM OR DISCRIMINATION AT CALVARY

(A biblical refection on THE 23^rd SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME [YEAR B] – September 6, 2015)

Second Reading: James 2:1-5

First Reading: Isaiah 35:4-7; Psalms: Psalm 146:7-10; Gospel Reading: Mark 7:31-37

The Scripture Text

My brethren, show no partiality as you hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory. For if a man with gold rings and in fine clothing comes into your assembly, and a poor man in shabby clothing also comes in, and you pay attention to the one who wears the fine clothing and say, “Have a seat here, please,” while you say to the poor man, “Stand there,” or “Sit at my feet,” have you not made distinctions among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts? Listen, my beloved brethren. Has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the Kingdom which He has promised to those who love Him? (James 2:1-5 RSV)

Let us start with a lesson from history. In 1850, a Steubenville, Ohio lawyer, Edwin Stanton, and his associates requested the legal services of Abraham Lincoln, the competent lawyer from Springfield, Illinois to assist in an infringement of patent case in Cincinnati. When the two men were introduced, Stanton greeted him coldly and blatantly ignored him throughout the case. He even whispered to others in Lincoln’s presence, “I won’t associate with such a long-armed gawky ape as that.” Twelve years later, Stanton was appointed Secretary of War by the President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln. Three years later, he stood at Lincoln’s bedside during his dying hours, pitifully weeping at the loss of his dear friend. If we must judge others, it’s wise to avoid bitter words; for like Stanton, we may later have to eat them.

St. James says in today’s second reading, that it’s so easy but so wrong to judge another by outward appearances. This passage is a vivid reminder to avoid both favoritism and discrimination. No one, for instance, should be given a promotion, honor or better position in a company, simply because he’s someone’s friend or relative or because he looks nice, dresses well or is a certain color.

Could we (you and I) imagine a judge in a courtroom condemning an alleged criminal on his looks, clothes or neighborhood? Each case should be judged in itself and of itself, here and now.

If you – like Lincoln – are judged unjustly, you shouldn’t fret too much, for you’re in good company. His neighbors thought that young Thomas Edison was insane. When Albert Einstein failed his college entrance exam, he was judged stupid and sent home. Even Jesus was called a fanatic and a lawbreaker.

Inspired by God who “judges the world with righteousness and judges the peoples with equity” (Psalm 9:8 RSV), we must extent that same balanced treatment to all. Whether it’s the fashionable clothes and gold rings of the rich, or the shabby garb of the poor, they’re only externals worn by those for whom Jesus died. There was no favoritism or discrimination at Calvary.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, today You remind me to strongly avoid any forms of favoritism and discrimination in my relationships with others. And, there was no favoritism or discrimination at Calvary. Keep me as a faithful disciples of Jesus Christ, Your Son. Amen.

Sunday Scripture Study

Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time- Cycle B

September 6, 2015

Click here for USCCB readings

Opening Prayer

First Reading: Isaiah 35:4-7a

Psalm: 146:7-10

Second Reading: James 2:1-5

Gospel Reading: Mark 7:31-37

Jesus has just come from Gentile territory (the Gentile coastal towns of Tyre and Sidon) where he has healed a Canaanite woman’s daughter of a demon (Mark 7:24-30).

In this Sundays episode—which appears only in Mark—he is in Gentile lands again; the region of the Decapolis, a confederation of 10 cities just east of the Sea of Galilee. Ironically, this confederation was founded in part to discourage Jewish incursions.

Jesus’ manner of healing often takes on a sacramental aspect; that is, he incorporates the material into healings done by his Divine power. Similarly, the Sacraments of the Church are not only signs, but signs that effect (actually accomplish) what they signify; for example: the saving power of Baptism through water and the Holy Spirit (John 3:5; 1 Peter 3:21).

Even though Jesus takes pains to conceal his identity (verses 33, 36; also Mark 1:25, 5:43; CCC 439), it is clear that his actions fulfill the Old Testament prophecies of the coming Messiah (Luke 4:1-6; Isaiah 35:4-6; Wisdom 10:21; CCC 549).

QUESTIONS:

In the 1^st Reading, what message did Isaiah have for believers who might have begun to falter in their hope? What are some of the miraculous signs which will identify the coming of the Kingdom of God in these verses? In what ways were they fulfilled by Jesus?

In reference to the 2^nd Reading, how do you behave when the opportunity arises to meet someone famous or wealthy? What association do you have with the poor? Of the two, whose company do you prefer? According to Scripture, what advantages do the poor have that the rich lack?

It seems Jesus goes out of his way to reach this specific individual to heal him (verse 31). What does that tell you about Jesus?

What do you think is the significance of Jesus looking up to heaven and sighing right before he heals the man (Mark 8:11-13)? Could it be related to verses 33a and 36?

Why do you think Jesus used the method he did to heal the man? How is the response of these Gentiles (verse 37) like that of the Jews (1:27; 2:12) and the disciples (4:41)? What do you think is Mark’s point in emphasizing this?

Why do you think that Jesus took the man aside to heal him in private? How has Jesus dealt privately with you (rather than treating you as part of a group)?

In the liturgy (as in the hymn Veni Creator), the Holy Spirit is compared to the finger of God (verse 33). What are the effects that the Holy Spirit has on us that are comparable to the effects that Christ had on the man that was healed (CCC 683, 687)? For us to believe, what must God first do for us (CCC 153)?

Closing Prayer

Catechism of the Catholic Church: §§ 1504, 1151

“Thou who are sevenfold in thy grace,/Finger of God’s right hand,/His Promise, teaching little ones/To speak and understand.” ~From Veni Creator, an ancient hymn in praise of the Holy Spirit

Jesus, Heal My Hearing and My Speech

Pastor’s Column

23^rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

September 6, 2015

“Jesus makes the deaf hear and the mute speak….

He has done all things well.”

Mark 7:37

In this Sunday’s gospel (Mark 7:31-37), Jesus and the disciples have entered the “Decapolis region.” This was an area on the opposite side of the Sea of Galilee from the Jewish cities on the other shore, and it was mostly pagan. Today we would associate this place with its proximity to the Golan Heights in Syria, which is still somewhat avoided by Jewish settlers. Why does Jesus go to this non-Jewish place? Probably to get away from the crowds! This is a reminder that all of us need time away from our usual routine, and we can benefit at times by a radical change of scenery.

Jesus heals a man who could not hear. Probably, his speech was distorted for this very reason. How easily and readily the Lord heals illnesses when he comes in contact with them. Who among us would not wish to be one of the dwellers of this city in order to be touched and healed so easily by Jesus! Sickness, suffering, pain and death are all a part of this world; in fact, Jesus accepted a full portion of these in his human nature, especially on the cross. So they have their place. One can go so far as to say they have meaning, when united to Christ, though the full revelation of that meaning will take place only on the last day of our lives. But these sufferings are, in the end, very temporary. The Lord is waiting to heal us, but first we must learn something, or go through something while we live in this very short, but essential place on earth. Love is what we have gone through with someone; and, for Christians, that someone is Jesus.

Jesus heals our hearing. When we listen to the gospel, the church, and our well-formed conscience, the Lord begins to fine-tune our hearing. So much of what we hear in the vast, ever-present “media” around us is corruptive to our faith and contrary to the gospel. Am I careful as to what I watch and listen to daily? The Lord can purify and heal our hearing so that we can discern that which is godly and up-building from that which is corrosive to our souls. How many of us need our hearing purified and healed in what we listen to!

Jesus wants to purify our lips! What kind if language comes out of my mouth? Is it godly? Would I have to change the subject of my conversation if Jesus were to suddenly walk up? What do I say about others whom I may not like? How adept am I in giving gratitude and praise to God in all circumstances? This can be difficult, but Jesus is up to the challenge, if we allow him to heal our tongues and our hearing!

Father Gary

Have you ever found yourself in a conversation where the other person was so convinced they are right that no matter how hard you tried, they would be constantly talking over you? You begin a sentence and before you know it, the other person is speaking with stronger emotion, stating their opinion louder and with rapid speech in order to make their point.

So, because I feel I’m not being heard, I break into the same passionate speech. Pretty soon, both parties haven’t really heard anyone but themselves and the other person is left with little understanding of the other persons real feeling. In the end we probably feel more confused than ever. If we don’t listen, we won’t understand. How important it is for us all to become better listeners so that we can speak and act clearly.

Today’s Gospel story in which Jesus restores the sense of hearing to a man who was deaf is a further example of his compassion for all. The scene is not within Jewish territory. Rather he is on the other side of the Sea of Galilee, among the Gentile villages. Yet, as always, Jesus responds to the suffering of this man and restores joy to him. Likewise, the man now can speak clearly. No talking over. No confusion. No misunderstanding about who Jesus is and what he did for the man.

Although Jesus ordered him to keep this quiet, filled with joy the man was unable to contain himself and proclaimed what God had done for him. The story fulfills what Isaiah the prophet writes in our first reading about the signs of the Messiah: “Then will the eyes of the blind be opened, the ears of the deaf be cleared; . . .” (Is 35 4-7). Jesus reputation as a wonder worker spread like wild fire. But is there more that wasn’t heard?

Using an original Aramaic word, Ephphatha, quoting Jesus’ exact word, Mark notes how our Lord takes command of the situation: “Be opened.” Again, not being able to hear his emphasis or tone of voice, I think it safe to say he spoke that word with force and conviction. Mark states that Jesus “groaned.” From the depth of his gut as it were, he commanded the power of the physical disability to release itself. It is no wonder that people were astonished.

Yet, there is more to hear. We could get lost in the details, as often the crowds did, and be deaf to the central purpose of what Jesus did for this man and for many others. He brought them to faith. A miracle is not an end in itself. As wonderful as his healings were, the lives of those Jesus touched were forever changed. They could not contain their gratitude, they became Jesus’ followers, or they changed their life to a better path. But, we are always given the choice.

Say you won a $10 million dollar lottery! Yes, the government takes about 50% of that so you’ll just have to get buy on a paltry $5 million. Would your life be changed? Obviously, yes, and you have the choice to spend it all on yourself or to use your unexpected wealth for the power of good – to make changes in the lives of others.

We hear a great deal these days about the changing culture of America and the millions of immigrants and refugees that are changing the face of Europe and the middle east. No doubt, this problem poses many other challenges to the economy, to housing, jobs, safety and all the other neuralgic issues touted by our present Presidential candidates on both sides.

But in the end, what do we hear? St. James in our second reading reminds us that the lives of Christians cannot have two standards: one for the rich and another for the poor. James reminds us to have no “partialiaty” and to not make “distinctions among yourselves” that create a separation and that would isolate one community from another. It’s tough to live this way but we cannot forget that when we deal with such human issues, it is human beings which are at stake. As Jesus reached across the social lines of his time, and responded with the higher value of human compassion, we too have to constantly remind ourselves that God is not partial to people and neither can we.

Are we able to hear and be conscious of the many needs around us? To feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked is not an optional choice or something we do because it soothes a guilty conscience or makes me feel good. Our purpose as Christians, rooted in our baptism, is to carry on the same mission which Jesus brought. We have to constantly fight against our tendency to judge based merely on outward appearances. James makes that clear in our second reading when he speaks of behavior which responds to another person’s clothing.

The moral value which drives everything is love for our neighbor. So it’s always our task to create a society and a community of faith where this equality can be clearly seen. Among the many values of parish life is that of welcome and hospitality. Do we hear the cry of those who may feel estranged, lonely, judged, hungry or in any human need? What sort of programs and priorities do we see in our parish bulletins? Do we feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, invite others and welcome those are on the margins of life? Is this a gathering where people feel they can be fed both spiritually and find comfort and support from a loving community which truly cares about their neighbor. And the best place to begin is right at home where we can find Christ where we are at and to serve him there.

There is no more diverse gathering than our weekend liturgies. Jesus commanded the disability to release its’ hold on the man when he stated: “Be opened.” We must open ourselves to hear God’s Word proclaimed, take the time to let it touch us in our need for conversion, and then open ourselves to Jesus presence in his Body and Blood. The social justice and moral implications we are presented with in every Eucharistic gathering are many. Pope Francis has made it a central theme of his Papacy to ask us if we hear? Are we open?

O God, by whom we are redeemed and receive adoption,

look graciously upon your beloved sons and daughters,

that those who believe in Christ

may receive true freedom

and an everlasting inheritance.

(Collect of Sunday)

Fr. Tim

Regnum Christi

- Be Opened! - Away from the crowd

U. S. A. | SPIRITUAL LIFE | SPIRITUALITY

September 6, 2015. Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

Mark 7:31-37

Again Jesus left the district of Tyre and went by way of Sidon to the Sea of Galilee, into the district of the Decapolis. And people brought to him a deaf man who had a speech impediment and begged him to lay his hand on him. He took him off by himself away from the crowd. He put his finger into the man´s ears and, spitting, touched his tongue; then he looked up to heaven and groaned, and said to him, Ephphatha! that is, "Be opened!" And immediately the man´s ears were opened, his speech impediment was removed, and he spoke plainly. He ordered them not to tell anyone. But the more he ordered them not to, the more they proclaimed it. They were exceedingly astonished and they said, "He has done all things well. He makes the deaf hear and the mute speak."

Introductory Prayer: Lord Jesus, I come to you once again in prayer. Even though I cannot see you, my faith tells me that you are present. You are ready to listen and desire to speak with me. Your presence gives me hope, because you are the all-powerful God, the creator of heaven and earth. You are the source of all that is good in my life. Nothing happens to me without your knowing and permitting it. My hope leads me to love. I want to be one with you in mind and heart, identifying myself with your will and your standards.

Petition: Lord, teach me how to be alone with you. Help me to encounter you.

Away from the Crowd: Why does Jesus take the deaf man off by himself away from the crowd? Jesus wants to be alone with him, away from the noise and activity of the crowd. He wants to be able to communicate with him in silence and solitude. Jesus invites me also to go away from the crowd, away from the activity and noise of life, away from other people and distractions, in order to pray. Jesus invites me to be alone with him so that he can reveal himself to my soul and heal the impediments that keep me from communicating his love and truth to others.

The Human Effort to Heal: Many times in the Gospel, Jesus works a miracle with a mere word. But sometimes he performs miracles with a physical act, as in this case, when he puts his finger into the man’s ears and touches his tongue with spittle. What are we to make of this? What can we learn from it? Many times, our healing requires a human effort. Action must be taken. We are not purely spiritual beings, but body and spirit woven into one. So our physical side plays a part. We kneel to pray. We go into the presence of the Blessed Sacrament. We make an effort to read Scripture. We do all of these physical things so that our entire being, both body and soul, can be healed of sin and grow closer to Christ.

To Speak Plainly: The fruit of this encounter with Christ and of the effort that Christ makes is clarity –– plain speech. The fog of imperfection is removed and the deaf-mute begins to speak with the clarity and the forcefulness of truth –– so much so that the people are astounded. If I have truly encountered Christ, the fog that veils my mind and muddles my speech will be removed. The double-edged sword of God’s truth will shine through my words and actions so much so that people will be astounded.

Conversation with Christ: Lord, I want to be your disciple. I want your truth and love to shine in my life. Open my intellect so that I can perceive your truth as it really is. Soften my heart to love you with a pure love that overflows into the hearts of those around me. Strengthen my will to choose you and your ways steadfastly.

Resolution: I will make the effort today to set aside some time to pray away from the business of life.

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