TODAY’S GOSPEL READING
14 FEBRUARY, 2025
Mark 7:31-37
Jesus left the district of Tyre
and went by way of Sidon to the Sea of Galilee,
into the district of the Decapolis.
And people brought to him a deaf man who had a speech impediment
and begged him to lay his hand on him.
He took him off by himself away from the crowd.
He put his finger into the man’s ears
and, spitting, touched his tongue;
then he looked up to heaven and groaned, and said to him,
“Ephphatha!” (that is, “Be opened!”)
And immediately the man’s ears were opened,
his speech impediment was removed,
and he spoke plainly.
He ordered them not to tell anyone.
But the more he ordered them not to,
the more they proclaimed it.
They were exceedingly astonished and they said,
“He has done all things well.
He makes the deaf hear and the mute speak.”
THE GOSPEL OF THE LORD!
REFLECTION
Mark 7:31-37 tells the story of Jesus healing a deaf and mute man. The people bring him to Jesus, seeking His touch. In a deeply personal moment, Jesus takes the man aside, touches his ears and tongue, looks up to heaven, and says, “Ephphatha”—“Be opened.” Immediately, the man is healed.
This passage reveals Jesus’ compassion and power. He meets people where they are, addressing their needs with tenderness and divine authority. His method—using touch and prayer—shows that healing is both physical and spiritual.
The reaction of the crowd reminds us of the transforming power of Christ. Even when Jesus instructs them to remain silent, they cannot contain their amazement. Likewise, when we experience God’s goodness, our hearts should overflow with praise. This passage invites us to trust Jesus with our struggles, knowing that He alone can open what is closed—our hearts, minds, and even our faith.
PRAYER
Loving and merciful Lord, You are the Healer of all things. Just as You touched the deaf and mute man and restored him, I ask You to touch my life. Open my heart to Your love, my ears to Your truth, and my mouth to speak words of grace. Remove anything that keeps me from fully hearing and proclaiming Your goodness. Strengthen my faith, that I may trust in Your power to transform and restore. May my life be a testimony to Your healing love. In Jesus’ Name, I pray. Amen
