A healing word of God in the responsorial psalm asks, “If only my people would hear me, and Israel walk in my ways.”  Jesus is traveling to the peripheries, the Decapolis, and the people recognize him as one who has healing powers. They brought a fellow who was unable to hear or speak clearly to Jesus. Helpless on his own, he was valued in the community who begged Jesus for a favor.

With a gentle sensitivity, Jesus led him to a private place away from the crowd. The action is an intimate touch and a single word, Ephphatha! There is joy in learning that he was able to speak clearly. What do you hear him say? Listen in the quiet of your heart.

The people were exceedingly astonished. The gospel invites us to identify our own needs and to take time to experience God’s intimacy in prayer. The key to his gospel is the call to “Hear my voice.” As I age, I have experienced some physical decline with some degree of frustration. I think that is normal.

I’m invited now to check in on my spiritual life. Setting the time to listen in the silence. Also, to examine my level of astonishment with the goodness of God, who continues to manifest his presence in the Blessed Sacrament. To humbly ask for healing for a lack of fervor in being open in proclaiming an unfailing hope coming through Holy Communion.

Saint Peter Julian was convinced that the Eucharist transforms us in Jesus; his faculties, his feelings, his way of thinking, his way of acting become ours. (page 67 of Praying 15 Days with Peter Julian Eymard, by Fr. Manuel Barbiero SSS).

Let Us Pray

Gracious God, you are not distant from us. You decided to tabernacle among us. You could not have made yourself more present in our world. The Eucharist is celebrated in the life of the universal church. Please help us to become a universal people giving great attention to the weak and the poor, the blind and the mute, to be a neighbor near and far. Transform us to live the life of Your Son, as a healing presence. Amen.