Daily Gospel Reflection for September 5, 2021 - 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.

Today's Gospel: 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time - Mark 7:31-37

As a Lay Dominican, I'm called to the particular charism of preaching the truth. Normally, for me, that plays out in my daily life as an editor. I help the writers I work with present clear, faithful spiritual and practical truths to our fellow Catholics. But it also means speaking the truth, even when it's difficult to receive, to my loved ones; and hearing the truth, which can sometimes be even more difficult, when it is spoken to me. I'm definitely still a Dominican in training!

I was struck by the description of the miracle in today's Gospel: "And immediately the man’s ears were opened, his speech impediment was removed, and he spoke plainly." The man has been restored to both hearing and speech. But we know that Jesus didn't want him to go off and listen to gossip or tell lies to his family. These basic human abilities are given to him, as they are to each of us, by God, for the sake of the kingdom. 

So it behooves us to take a minute to think about what we listen to and what we say. Do we listen for the truth even amid the lies and background noise of our culture? Do we listen when the Lord speaks, when a priest preaches, or when a friend calls us out - even when the truth is hard to hear? And in turn, do we speak the truth clearly and charitably? Do we speak up when we ought - even when the truth is hard to say?

Ponder:

How can I listen for truth today? How can I speak truth today?

Pray:

Jesus, You have given me ears to hear with an a voice and mind to speak with. Help me always to stay closely united to You, Who are Truth itself.

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How can I listen for truth today? How can I speak truth today? #dailygospel

Copyright 2021 Rebecca E. Martin