Today's Gospel

Gospel: Mark 7:31-37

31 Then Jesus went out again from the region of Tyre and came through Sidon to the Sea of Galilee in the region of the Decapolis. 32 They brought to him a deaf man who had difficulty speaking, and they asked him to place his hands on him. 33 After Jesus took him aside privately, away from the crowd, he put his fingers in the man’s ears, and after spitting, he touched his tongue. 34 Then he looked up to heaven and said with a sigh, “Ephphatha” (that is, “Be opened”). 35 And immediately the man’s ears were opened, his tongue loosened, and he spoke plainly. 36 Jesus ordered them not to tell anyone. But as much as he ordered them not to do this, they proclaimed it all the more. 37 People were completely astounded and said, “He has done everything well. He even makes the deaf hear and the mute speak.”

Today's Reflection (Archbishop Joseph Nguyen Nang)

Message: Being physically impaired is already a suffering, but spiritual impairment is even more distressing. Only Jesus Christ, the ultimate healer, can restore both physical and spiritual disabilities.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, those who are deaf and mute face great difficulties in communication. They can only express themselves through gestures and signs. I am grateful that I am physically whole. But Lord, many times, I have been deaf and mute in my spiritual life.

Yes, Lord, I am deaf and mute because I do not listen to You, nor do I speak to You. I am consumed by worldly pleasures, seeking entertainment and distractions, leaving no time for You. Wealth and ambition dominate my life, making me indifferent to prayer. I neglect reading the Scriptures, participating in liturgy, and attending the banquet of Your Word and the Eucharist.

Likewise, I am often deaf and mute to those around me. So many people need my attention, a smile, a word of encouragement, or a simple act of kindness. Yet, in my selfishness, I close my ears and remain silent. I think only of myself and my own family.

Lord Jesus, today I come to You, asking You to heal me from this serious condition. Open my ears so that I may hear Your voice and the needs of others. Teach me compassion and care for those around me. Help me to live with love and generosity.

Lord, teach me to remain silent when I should not speak, and teach me to speak when I must not remain silent. Amen.

Reminder: 📖 "He makes the deaf hear and the mute speak." (Mark 7:37)