JESUS THE DIVINE HEALER
First Reading : Isaiah 35: 4-7
Second Reading : James 2: 1-5
Gospel Reading: Mark 7: 31-37
*First reading is from the book of Prophet Isaiah. Isaiah speaks about the future changes that will take place by the power of the Lord God. He assures the people of Israel that the Lord God will save His people from their various problems. He tells them that the blind, the deaf, the lame and the dumb will be healed by the power of the Lord God. This prophecy is fulfilled in Jesus the Son of God.
*Second reading is from the letter of St. James. The Apostle exhorts the members of the Christian community not to be partial to anyone because they are rich or poor. He reminds us that earthly riches or high positions in the society are no criterion for distinction in the community. Because all are equal before God.
He even makes the deaf hear and the dumb speak Today's Gospel reading is from St. Mark. A detailed description of the healing of a deaf and dumb man by the power of Jesus is narrated. During His public ministry Jesus healed many people. Hence the prophecy of Isaiah was fulfilled with the coming of Jesus. A deaf and dumb man was brought to Jesus by some people. Jesus took him aside to a secluded place and put His finger into the man's ears. Then spat and touched his tongue. Jesus commanded, "Ephphetha" which means 'be opened'. Immediately the deaf and dumb man was healed and he was able to hear clearly and speak fluently. Hearing and speech are gifts of God. Jesus felt compassion for this unfortunate man who lacked these gifts. By His words and actions Jesus restored those lost faculties and made him whole. Now it is our turn to realize that Jesus is able to restore all our lost powers, unused and unrecognized talents once we put our trust in the Lord. The touch of the divine healer continues to transform our lives once we totally put our faith in Him.
"At our baptism, we were all touched on the ear and the mouth. In this way, we are in the story and are invited to see ourselves in the man who was cured." -Biblical resources
"I alone cannot do anything. Jesus alone will not do anything. Jesus and I do everything." - St. Teresa of Avila.
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