Mark 7: 31 - 37

This week's gospel contains what is perhaps one of the most ‘physical’ of Jesus’ healing stories. When the disciples brought a deaf, mute man to Jesus they were amazed at what unfolded. Jesus put his fingers in the man’s ears and placed spittle on his tongue. It is an incredibly intimate contact with a complete stranger and someone regarded as outcast and unclean because of his disabilities. When Jesus speaks the word of healing, Ephphatha (‘Be opened’), he appears to be speaking not only to the man but to all those listening. Be open to the possibility of embracing those you have cast out; be open to a different understanding of Messiah. This act is a fulfilment of the prophecies of the scriptures. The prophet Isaiah portrayed a Messiah who released them from those afflictions and allowed them to re-enter society - this is what Jesus did time and time again. Jesus called on all those around him to also be opened – that their hearts may be opened to compassion. Jesus calls to us through today’s gospel to also be open to compassion and open to the needs of those around us.