The shorter version of the Gospel for the Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost is from St. Mark 7:31-37. This selection is the story of the healing of a deaf-mute in the Decapolis. The Greek name Decapolis means "Ten Towns." In the first century, this region east of the Jordan had both Jewish and Greek-speaking pagan inhabitants. The man who was healed might have been either Jewish or Gentile; so, the healing can be a reminder that Christ's ministry was for all people. The healing of a deaf-mute is also a fulfillment of Messianic prophecies (Isaiah 35:5 and Ezekiel 24:27).
This Gospel passage teaches us two important points. 1) In Jesus, the Messianic kingdom has come into the world. God's redeeming work has entered a new phase. 2) The divine mercy and grace present in Christ are available to all people regardless of their background or circumstances. The long-awaited redemption goes beyond the bounds of Israel.
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