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Sunday Scripture Study

Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time- Cycle B

September 6, 2015

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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