The Gospel from Mark 7:31-37is the story of Jesus Curing a Deaf-Mute Man near the Sea of Galilee, in the region of the Decapolis. "...Taking him aside from the multitude privately, he [Jesus]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" (Mk 7:33-35 RSV).
We can approach this miracle from several perspectives. Like every miracle, this one shows both the power and the compassion of Jesus. Like the crowd, we should be impressed. They did not fully understand Jesus' ministry, but they ended by alluding to a Messianic prophecy (Isaiah 35:5,6). Jesus was bringing the Messianic age. He was/is the Christ who manifested the power of God the Father in His miracles. Although Jesus enjoined quietness in order to continue and complete His mission on earth, the crowds found it impossible to ignore His mighty works. As Christians who supposedly have a deeper understanding of and faith in Christ, we should have a hard time keeping quiet about Him.
We can also reflect upon this miracle from the man's perspective. Like him, we are often deaf and mute- in spiritual and moral matters. We need Christ's healing power to work in our lives; we need to have our ears opened and our tongues loosed. The power, grace, and mercy of Jesus can and should change us. May we be more sensitive and attentive to the Gospel. May we hear the good news of His saving work and be ready to share it.
No comments:
Post a Comment