“Ephphatha.” “Be opened!

PRAYER PAUSE  

Friday 9 February 2018

“Ephphatha.” “Be opened!”

Enter into the stillness of God within.

Reading: “Jesus looked up to heaven and sighed and said to him, ‘Ephphatha!’ that is, ‘Be opened.’ And his ears were opened and his tongue was loosened and he spoke clearly.” (Mark 7:31-37)

Reflection. On Monday we read of many in “villages and towns and farms” who were cured. Today we read of just one cure and that in detail.  Perhaps Mark is telling us that Jesus cured and – goes on curing – many, but what is important is that each of them was a person, one unique human being. We know that Jesus died for all people but St Paul brings it home by saying “he died for me” (Gal 2:20). We cannot rest in generalities about God. We have a personal relationship with Jesus whether we know it or not. When he says, “Be opened” he is not just referring to a physical opening of the ears and tongue; implied also is the opening of the heart to welcome the relationship, the gift, that God is offering.  

Prayer. Lord, may our hearts be opened to listen to you and are lips be loosed to praise you. Amen.