Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time (Homily)

September 06, 2015 11:00 am  · Deacon Rick Nevins

Homilies, Ordinary Time

Ephphatha, that is be opened. For any relationship to be successful there needs to be frequent and meaningful communication, a back and forth in exchange of ideas and thoughts. When we do this we not only convey each others thoughts, bur also a sense of commitment, trust and intimacy. Relationships take effort to maintain, otherwise over time they grow cold and distant, and often leave us with a feeling of regret for not staying in touch.

In today's Gospel we heard of a man being freed from the inability to communicate freely. It was a struggle for him, that in a way left him isolated from others. His deafness and speech impediment were not only a hindrance for himself, but it was such a cause of concern for those around him, that they begged Jesus to lay His hand on him, hoping that he would be healed. While his healing was without a doubt a physical miracle, there was a much more important spiritual one that took place that day, and is being played out in all of our lives. That is for those who have ears to hear, for those that listen to the words of Jesus Christ and act accordingly.