The deaf hear and the dumb speak

Gospel

Mark 7:31-37

'He makes the deaf hear and the dumb speak'

Returning from the district of Tyre, Jesus went by way of Sidon towards the Sea of Galilee, right through the Decapolis region. And they brought him a deaf man who had an impediment in his speech; and they asked him to lay his hand on him. He took him aside in private, away from the crowd, put his fingers into the man’s ears and touched his tongue with spittle. Then looking up to heaven he sighed; and he said to him, ‘Ephphatha’, that is, ‘Be opened.’ And his ears were opened, and the ligament of his tongue was loosened and he spoke clearly. And Jesus ordered them to tell no one about it, but the more he insisted, the more widely they published it. Their admiration was unbounded. ‘He has done all things well,’ they said ‘he makes the deaf hear and the dumb speak.’

Reflection

In healing the deaf and mute man, Jesus reveals God’s intimate, physical care for human brokenness. He draws the man aside, touches his ears and tongue, sighs with divine compassion, and speaks liberation: "Be opened." This is more than a physical cure—it is an invitation to be opened to God’s word, to relationship, and to the world. Jesus’ sigh mirrors God’s longing to heal every isolation. Yet he asks for silence, pointing not to spectacle, but to the quiet transformation of a life restored. True healing opens us to hear God’s voice and to speak his love.

Reflection Question

In what area of your life is Jesus whispering "Ephphatha" — "Be opened" — to you right now?

Prayer

Lord Jesus, you touch our closed ears and bound tongues. Heal our inner deafness, that we may hear your voice. Loosen our silence, that we may speak your goodness. Open our hearts to receive and share your compassion. Amen.

Comments

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