“He has done all things well. He makes the deaf hear and [the] mute speak.” (Mark 7:37).  

 

The major theme for this 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time invites us to become God’s humble instruments of healing in Jesus’ hands by giving voice to the voiceless and caring love to the needy and the marginalized people, inviting us to open our ears to hear the word of God and to let our tongues be loosened by the Holy Spirit to proclaim the Good News of God’s love and salvation to all. 

 

Today’s readings speak of a God who is especially caring for the voiceless and the afflicted. However, some of us have lost faith in God and the ability to recognize His voice calling us into action to give hearing and voice to the deaf and the mute, so that the healed person can become a true witness to the power of God. 

 

A Church that is to bear witness to the example of Jesus’ love must not neglect “those who are bowed down,” and suffering. Through Christ’s healing presence, we as the Church must give voice to the voiceless and become God’s instrument of peace and salvation to the world. By continuing Jesus’ ministry in this troubled world, the Church keeps us in touch with the reality of God’s saving power, divine mercy, compassion, forgiveness and grace.  

 

God does not want us holding a relationship of Transaction but Transformation. Therefore, Dynamic Christian disciples are those who (1) BELIEVE, (2) GROW, (3) SERVE, (4) LOVE and (5) LEAD others to Jesus. Today’s topic invites us to become God’s instrument of healing and peace, to practice the works of mercy through Jesus Christ.

 

How can we embody Jesus’ compassion and mercy to heal our physical and spiritual deafness and muteness?

 

Wishing everyone a blessed week in the Lord.