Greetings on this the Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time
Readings: Is 35:4-7a; Ps 146:6-7, 8-9, 9-10; Jas 2:1-5; Mk 7:31-37
Reassurances
In our first reading from Isaiah and the Psalm reading we have sure and certain help from the Lord.
- Faithful forever.
- Secures justice for the oppressed.
- Food for the hungry.
- Sets captives free.
- Sight to the blind.
- Raises up those oppressed.
- Loves justice.
- Protects strangers.
- The orphan and widow he sustains.
- Wicked ones are thwarted.
Isaiah adds natural help for the life:
- The desert will burst with streams.
- The burning sands will become pools of water.
- The thirsty ground – becomes springs.
Summary
If yesterday we focused on the foolishness of divine love, today we ask our ears be opened to hear the Good News! The extension of the love of God is clear in the miracle of the deaf man’s hearing. Decapolis means the Ten Cities. All of them of foreign origin, that is not Jewish. Nevertheless, the love of God extends to even them. And people brought to him a deaf man who had a speech impediment and begged him to lay his hand on him. He did and the man was cured.
Reflection
Divine love is foolish and exuberant. Divine love is for all peoples: rich and poor, local or foreigner. Know this the Lord looked up to heaven and groaned with intention and power.
Personal Reflection
May my ears ever be open to the voice of the Lord. How it must have felt to hear the Lord’s voice that day! We know a baby is filled with joy at hearing their Mother’s voice on the day of birth. So much more so the Lord!
Sacred Readings
Full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/090824.cfm
First Reading
Thus says the LORD: Say to those whose hearts are frightened: Be strong, fear not! Here is your God, he comes with vindication; with divine recompense he comes to save you.
Responsorial
Praise the Lord, my soul!
Second Reading
Listen, my beloved brothers and sisters. Did not God choose those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom that he promised to those who love him?
Gospel Acclamation
Jesus proclaimed the Gospel of the kingdom and cured every disease among the people.
Gospel
He put his finger into the man’s ears and, spitting, touched his tongue; then he looked up to heaven and groaned, and said to him, “Ephphatha!”— that is, “Be opened!” — And immediately the man’s ears were opened, his speech impediment was removed, and he spoke plainly.
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry