Mark 7:31–37 EPHPHATHA: BE OPENED

Year A, Friday of the Fifth Week in Ordinary Time

In today’s Gospel, Jesus heals a man who is deaf and has a speech impediment. Taking him aside, Jesus touches his ears and tongue and says, “Ephphatha,” meaning, “Be opened.” Immediately, the man is healed and able to speak clearly.

This healing is not only physical—it is deeply spiritual. Jesus desires to open our ears to hear God’s word and our tongues to proclaim His praise. Often, we may struggle with spiritual deafness, unable or unwilling to listen to God, or hesitant to speak about our faith.

Jesus meets the man personally and gently. In the same way, He approaches each of us with compassion, wanting to heal what is closed within us—our hearts, our faith, our relationships.

Today’s Gospel invites us to ask the Lord to open us anew, so that we may listen more attentively, speak more truthfully, and live more faithfully.

Question to Ponder: What in my life needs to be opened by the healing touch of Christ?

With Love and Prayers

Your Co-Traveler

Fr. Leo