The Tender Touch of Healing
Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time
Isaiah 35:4–7a / Psalm 146:1b / James 2:1–5 / Mark 7:31–37
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Reflecting on the Word
By Rev. James A. Wallace, C.Ss.R.
Perhaps you saw the movie The King’s Speech about the future king of England, George VI, whose speech impediment was so severe that it reduced him to tears of anger and humiliation. His wife, Elizabeth, found a speech therapist who was able to help him by using some unorthodox methods, such as rolling around on the floor, cursing, and singing. It is a profoundly moving experience when King George finally addresses his people over the radio and delivers a speech flawlessly, giving courage to his people on the eve of World War II. The story in this Gospel tells us how Jesus helped a man to find his voice. The man whose tongue Jesus touched with his spittle (an element believed to ward off demons) came to speak “plainly.” Another word for “plainly” would be “rightly,” in the sense of correctly or truly. “Be opened,” Jesus says, and it happens. The man then spoke the truth of what Jesus did for him, and honored him. As we hold firm to our faith in the Lord, Jesus calls us to both speak and act “rightly” in the eyes of the world, caring for those who have little and treating them with the same dignity as those who have much. We are called to imitate Jesus by reaching out tenderly to touch those who have been wounded by life and burdened by the rejection of others. Helping others to hear the sound of love can be done in many quiet ways and with little fanfare.
Consider/Discuss
- Has anyone ever helped you hear something you were unable to hear up until then, or to find your voice so that you could speak what was in your heart?
- Consider how Jesus has touched your life and enabled you to hear his voice and sing his praise.
Responding to the Word
Lord, open our ears to hear the many ways you speak to us in our lives, to listen for the gentle sound of your voice that often comes to us in stillness. May we be still and know that you are our God, ever ready and desiring to draw closer.