Be Opened

A Reflection on the Gospel for September 5th, 2021:
Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

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Mark
7.31-37

Returning from the region of Tyre, Jesus went by way of Sidon towards the Sea of Galilee, in the region of the Decapolis.

They brought to him a man who was deaf and who had an impediment in his speech; and they begged him to lay his hand on him. Jesus took him aside in private, away from the crowd, and put his fingers into his ears, and he spat and touched his tongue. Then looking up to heaven, he sighed and said to him, “Ephphatha,” that is, “Be opened.” And immediately the man’s ears were opened, his tongue was released, and he spoke plainly.

Then Jesus ordered them to tell no one; but the more he ordered them, the more zealously they proclaimed it. They were astounded beyond measure, saying, “He has done everything well; he even makes the deaf to hear and the mute to speak.”
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This passage leads me to reflect on the relationship between healing and openness. Christ’s words, “Be opened” are simple yet incredibly powerful and they hold meaning beyond the accounted physical healing. When we are ready to receive healing, Christ calls our hearts to open — which can be simultaneously beautiful and painful.

One of Jesus’ titles is Divine Physician, and, although He can command immediate restoration, healing is more commonly a complicated, multi-step, arduous process involving temporary pain and suffering to achieve the desired state of health and wellness. Reopening an infected wound to ensure proper healing, performing delicate surgery to insert a stent into a newly opened artery to keep it from reclosing, crafting splints to protect healing joints yet maintain functional mobility. It is amazing when sudden and miraculous healing events occur, and God accomplishes and uses them according to His purpose. Yet, this Gospel’s radical and obvious outward healing encounter makes me wonder about the moments Jesus healed and heals across longer time spans, in hidden ways, without outward signs.

Recently, I went on pilgrimage and experienced unexpected healing for a four-year-old hurt. I realized in retrospect that God had gradually prepared me to be open to receive the truth that I needed to hear to offer full forgiveness and to move forward in love. I can’t account for how many hours of prayer I cried to God and pleaded for expedient answers to my question, “Why?”. I longed to arrive at a place of peace, knowing that I may never understand, but it took a couple of years before I thought I’d fully let go of “needing to know”. While alone, walking along the trail, memories resurfaced, and I perceived the Holy Spirit speaking to my heart and inviting me to a conversation about the hurt. I thought there was no use in re-visiting it, and, at first, I was confused and felt bad that I hadn’t fully released the hurt even after so much time. With His grace, He helped me to trust that there was a reason for re-opening this wound, and the next day He worked through one of His shepherds to help me finally know enough of the “why” to bring me closure and greater freedom.

Allowing Jesus to open our senses, to open our minds and hearts to Him, can be terrifying for the vulnerability that it requires. Yet, as we grow in trust and learn that He is present, faithful, reliable, and that only He knows what will bring us new life, we become more ready and able to open ourselves and be transformed. I pray that each of us will grow in openness today and ask for healing with an expectant and humble heart. Holy Spirit, help us to be attentive and patient as we wait for Your timing and let us always believe in Your goodness, mercy, and power.




Kendra L.

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