In today’s Gospel (Mark 7:31-37), Jesus was traveling by way of Sidon to the District of Decapolis when a deaf man with a speech impediment was brought to him for healing. Jesus took this Gentile man aside and laid his hands upon him. Immediately the man’s ears were opened and his speech impediment was removed, thus enabling him to speak plainly. Jesus had ordered the crowd who witnessed this miracle to say nothing of what had transpired. However, the miracle of healing was so amazing that the crowd disobeyed Jesus’ command and consciously chose to go out and proclaim the Good News. As I reflect on today’s Gospel, I was reminded that through our faith, Jesus is always there to heal us. In good times, we sometimes take our lives for granted and it is only in times of need that we call Jesus for help. But Jesus is always there. He is looking for us and looking after us. Let us remember to listen when our Lord is knocking at our door. Ask him to come into our lives to open our eyes so that we may see him, to open our ears so that we may hear God’s words, and to open our hearts so that we may love unconditionally.

Yours in Christ,

Fr. Antonio Cacciapuoti, Pastor