Mark 7: 31-37
Then he returned from the region of Tyre, and went by way of Sidon towards the Sea of Galilee, in the region of the Decapolis. They brought to him a deaf man who had an impediment in his speech; and they begged him to lay his hand on him. He took him aside in private, away from the crowd, and put his fingers into his ears, and he spat and touched his tongue. Then looking up to heaven, he sighed and said to him, “Ephphatha,” that is, “Be opened.” And immediately his ears were opened, his tongue was released, and he spoke plainly.
Then Jesus ordered them to tell no one; but the more he ordered them, the more zealously they proclaimed it. They were astounded beyond measure, saying, “He has done everything well; he even makes the deaf to hear and the mute to speak.”
New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989, by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. USCCB approved.
Valuing the Gift
Just before the event in this reading, Jesus is trying to travel low key. At this stage, Jesus is working miracles and telling people to keep it quiet. But Jesus is a victim of his own success and the word is out.
He heals a man’s hearing and voice in private and admonishes him to not tell anyone.
I don’t understand why Jesus doesn’t want to share these incredible miracles.
How many of us have found out incredible news; clean bill of health, good news with our work, accomplishments of our loved ones, and not wanting to shout it from the roof tops?
If you were cured, or witnessed someone being cured, it would be impossible not to share the good news on Instagram, Reels, TikTok, and your mom’s Facebook page in a matter of moments.
Could the desire for privacy be because he wants people to appreciate the gift of healing and faith, and not have it be about Jesus doing the miracles? Or could it be that he wants to be of service in healing people and the world and not having all the hoopla? Or something else altogether?
Again, I don’t know the answer to Jesus’ desire for privacy.
But it makes me consider…Do we experience our own miracles of faith and rush to share, without taking the time to value and appreciate the gift?
In our very public world, should we actively take the time to privately reflect and cherish our faith and miracles of living out the Gospel?
I don’t know the answer to this one either, but I like the idea of keeping those incredible little miracles in life in your heart to appreciate them and offer gratitude before it goes out in our social media feed.
—Nora Dabrowski is a regional advancement director for the Midwest Jesuits working in the Detroit and Cleveland areas.
Prayer
Lord, open my heart to the small miracles you work in my life so that I may cherish them and grow deeper in my relationship with you.
—Jesuit Prayer team
Pray with the Pope
Pray with the monthly prayer intentions of the pope.