Twenty-Third Sunday of the year (Year B)

 Twenty-Third Sunday of the year – September 08, 2024

Readings: Isaiah 35:4-7; James 2:1-5; Mark 7:31-37

(Image courtesy: Google)

One day, as usually, an orphan, a little girl, stood at the street corner begging for food, money or whatever she could get. Now, this girl was wearing very tattered clothes, was dirty and quite dishevelled. A well-to-do young man passed that corner without giving the girl a second look. But, when he returned to his expensive home, his happy and comfortable family, and his well-laden dinner table, his thoughts returned to the young orphan. He became very angry with God for allowing such conditions to exist. He reproached God, saying, how you can let this happen?  Why don’t you do something to help this girl?  Then he heard God in the depths of his being responding by saying I did. I created you.

In today's Gospel, in Jesus' response to the man who was brought for healing, we see the compassionate love and care of Jesus for him and for all who need his healing touch. The gospel tells us that Jesus took him aside from the crowd. He deals with him on a personal level on a one-to-one basis. Jesus spends time alone with him, and touches him putting his fingers into his ears and spittle on his tongue. What would have been a worthless violin became a valuable instrument of music. He’s no more despised as a deaf and mute man under sin, but a precious child of God.

The first reading from the Book of Isaiah offers a message of hope and restoration. The prophet speaks to a people who are weary and fearful, assuring them that God will come to save them. "Say to those who are of a fearful heart, 'Be strong, do not fear! Here is your God.'" This passage resonates deeply with our contemporary experience, where many face various forms of anxiety and despair.

Isaiah paints a vivid picture of transformation: the eyes of the blind will be opened, the ears of the deaf unstopped, the lame will leap like a deer, and the tongue of the speechless will sing for joy. This imagery not only speaks to physical healing but also symbolizes spiritual renewal. It reminds us that God is actively involved in our lives, bringing about change and healing in ways we may not always recognize.

The Gospel reading from Mark presents a powerful account of Jesus healing a deaf man with a speech impediment. Jesus takes the man aside, puts his fingers in his ears, and touches his tongue, saying, "Ephphatha," which means "Be opened." Immediately, the man is healed, and he begins to speak plainly.

This miracle is not just about physical healing; it is a profound demonstration of Jesus' compassion and his desire to restore individuals to wholeness. The act of taking the man aside signifies a personal encounter with Jesus, highlighting the importance of individual attention and care in our relationships.

Moreover, the command "Be opened" serves as a metaphor for our own spiritual openness. Are we open to hearing God's word? Are we willing to let go of our preconceived notions and biases? This healing story invites us to reflect on our own need for healing—whether it be physical, emotional, or spiritual—and to seek that healing in our relationship with Christ.

As we reflect on these readings, we are reminded that discipleship involves a commitment to community, justice, and healing. We are called to be agents of change in a world that often prioritizes wealth and status over compassion and care.

In our daily lives, we encounter individuals who may feel marginalized or unheard. The challenge for us is to embody the love of Christ by reaching out to those in need, advocating for justice, and creating spaces where all can feel welcomed and valued.

The readings also remind us of the importance of personal encounters with Christ. Just as the deaf man experienced a transformative moment with Jesus, we too are invited to seek moments of encounter that lead to healing and renewal. This may involve prayer, reflection, or engaging in acts of service that draw us closer to God and to one another.

On this Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time, let us take to heart the messages of hope, justice, and healing found in the Scriptures. May we strive to be a community that reflects the inclusive love of Christ, opening our hearts and minds to those around us. As we go forth, let us remember the call to be open—to God, to one another, and to the transformative power of love that can heal our world.

In doing so, we fulfil our mission as disciples, embodying the very essence of the Gospel in our actions and interactions. Let us pray for the grace to be instruments of peace and healing in our communities, ever mindful of the call to love and serve as Christ did.

Happy Sunday