Daily Gospel Reflection for February 14, 2014

Today's Gospel: Mark 7:31-37

Today’s Gospel shows us that Jesus is on the move even spreading his message to Gentile territory.  We he arrives he sees that these Gentiles have heard of Him and want Him to cure one of their own, a deaf man with a speech impediment.

Which one of us doesn’t struggle to actually listen to what those around us are trying to say?  Who can say that their speech doesn’t trip them up every day, in one way or another like saying too little or blabbing too much? Although this man has a true disability, I think we can all relate to the man in the story in need of healing.

Christ performs this miraculous healing in a unique way.  He doesn’t heal him in public for all to see as He had done so many other times in His ministry on earth.  Jesus does the healing in private, one on one.  He is showing us that He alone knows what we need to be healed and He can cure it within the depths of our hearts.

Jesus commands, “Be opened” and the man is healed.  If only we were open to all God does in our private lives!  How different would life be?

He then tells the people not to speak of the miracle.  Yet the people couldn’t help but spread the word.  They were beside themselves.  They say, “He has done everything well.  The deaf hear and the mute speak.”

This further reveals the trouble with their mouths and ours.  When it is good news, we can’t wait to tell everyone even if someone asks us not to share it.  When it is bad news, unfortunately, we often want to share it more.

Today reflect on the ways that you are deaf to others.  Think carefully about the way your speech impedes you.

Ponder:

Are you too busy to listen to others? Are you too busy talking that you forget to really hear? Do you repeat things others ask you not to?

Pray:

Lord, privately heal my ears and mouth.  Allow me to “be open” to what You and others want to share with me.  Amen.

Copyright 2014 Ellen Toole