Be opened!

Twenty-third Sunday in

Ordinary Time

5 September 2021 

 

First Reading: IS 35:4-7a

Responsorial Psalm: PS 146:6-7, 8-9, 9-10

Second Reading: JAS 2:1-5

Gospel: MK 7:31-37

 

Reflection

By: Theresa Ballo

 

How has the pandemic changed us? At some point, it cripples us. It made us feel more isolated, alone, and probably depressed. We cling on to hope, to faith, to God. Just like the man in today's Gospel. There are moments we are deaf, that we fail in listening to God's message amidst all this sickness and chaos around. There are days we are mute, keeping things we want to say to ourselves. We fear being bullied once we express an opinion on some pressing matters happening around us. The man in the Gospel represents us in so many ways.

Just like the deaf-mute man, we are disconnected. Less to no more physical interactions with relatives and friends. We have less opportunities to eat and drink together, make face-to-face conversations and feel someone's embrace. For people like me who are very visual, I'm having a difficulty making spiritual connections when attending online masses. Every Sunday night, as I lay myself to sleep, I wonder most of the time, what was Sunday's homily all about.

Just like the deaf-mute man, we are unable to express. The man's speech impedicament came from not being able to hear. In analogy, if we fail to listen to God's message, we will also have a hard time talking to God. Maybe some of you who are reading this can relate to me. I struggle to talk to God, praise Him, and share my thoughts nowadays.

Yet when people around brought the deaf-mute man, Jesus knew already about his illness. Similarly, Jesus knows we are suffering too. Jesus knows I am suffering. This sick man was brought to him by some people. In spite of his condition, there are still people around him who care enough. These people begged Jesus for the man's healing. Thus there are people in our life who cared about us and who are currently caring about you.

JESUS MEETS US WHERE WE ARE. In the Gospel, Jesus led the deaf-mute away from the crowd, had a private moment with him and healed him. Maybe that's why I was asked to do this month's Sunday reflections so He would have a reason to be with me. He knows that I cannot reflect and write in a noisy environment. He knows that for me to be able to do this, I have to stay late at night or at dawn, when most of the things around me are still. He meets where I can express myself--in writing. It gives me hope that soon, someday, one day, I'll be okay. You are too. If you are anyhow like me, not feeling at your best for the past weeks, you will be fine. Hang in there.

Only Jesus' mercy and power will all these viruses be gone, CoVid-19 virus and other viruses it brings such as indifference, selfishness, and lack of empathy. I look for the day that Jesus again will said, "Ephphatha", that is be opened! Instantly, the man could hear perfectly and speak plainly. There is hope. Faith gives us hope. Never let it go.

 

Prayer

 

Jesus, I hear You when You said to the deaf-mute man, be open! Unblock my ears so I can do more than just hearing. Give me grace to be nourished by Your words and the words of people I listened to. Open my heart that I may still show sensitivity to the suffering of others. Use my words to speak gratitude for your loving kindness always. Amen.