Jesus, Heal My Hearing and My Speech

Pastor’s Column

23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

September 8, 2024

“Jesus makes the deaf hear and the mute speak….

He has done all things well.”

Mark 7:37

In this Sunday’s gospel (Mark 7:31-37), Jesus and the disciples have entered the “Decapolis region, ten Roman cities within a day’s journey of each other.” This was an area on the opposite side of the Sea of Galilee from the Jewish cities on the other shore, and it was mostly pagan. Today we would associate this place with its proximity to the Golan Heights in Syria. Why does Jesus go to this non-Jewish place? Probably to get away from the crowds! This is a reminder that all of us need time away from our usual routine, and we can benefit at times by a radical change of scenery, to gain a new perspective.

Jesus heals a man who could not hear. His speech was probably distorted for this very reason. How easily and readily the Lord heals illnesses when he comes in contact with them.  Who among us would not wish to be one of the dwellers of this city in order to be touched and healed so easily by Jesus! 

Sickness, suffering, pain and death are all a part of this world; in fact, Jesus accepted a full portion of these in his human nature, especially on the cross. So they have their place. One can go so far as to say they have meaning when united to Christ though the full revelation of that meaning will take place only on the last day of our lives. But these sufferings are, in the end, very temporary. The Lord is waiting to heal us, but first we must learn something, or go through something while we live in this very short, but essential place on earth. Love is what we have gone through with someone; and for Christians, that someone is Jesus.

Jesus wants to heal our hearing. When we listen to the gospel, the church, and our well-formed conscience, the Lord begins to fine-tune our hearing. So much of what we hear in the vast, ever-present “media” around us is corruptive to our faith and contrary to the gospel. Am I careful as to what I watch and listen to daily? The Lord can purify and heal our hearing so that we can discern that which is godly and up-building from that which is corrosive to our souls. How many of us need our hearing purified and healed in what we listen to!

Jesus wants to purify our lips. What kind of language comes out of my mouth? Is it godly? Would I have to change the subject of my conversation if Jesus were to suddenly walk up? What do I say about others whom I may not like? How adept am I in giving gratitude and praise to God in all circumstances? This can be difficult, but Jesus is up to the challenge, if we allow him to heal our tongues and our hearing!

Father Gary