FRIDAY OF THE FIFTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
Mystery of the day: Sorrowful
Celebration of the day: Saints Cyril, Monk, and Methodius, Bishop
(+869) (+885). These two brothers evangelized , , and . Methodius was consecrated bishop by Adrian II. John Paul II proclaimed them patron saints of Europe, along with St. Benedict, abbot.
Table of the Word
RI. Genesis 3:1-8
Resp. Psalm: Psalm 32:1-2.5.6.7 (R. 1a)
Gospel: Mark 7:31-37
Theme: Ephphatha
Reflection:
The term "Ephphatha" is an Aramaic word that means "Be opened." It appears only once in the Scripture when Jesus heals a man who is both deaf and has a speech impediment (cf. Mark 7:34) which is an extract of today's pericope were we got the theme of our reflection from.
In this passage, Jesus uses the word to heal a man who is deaf and has a speech impediment. When He says "Ephphatha," He is commanding the man's ears to be opened and his ability to speak restored.
This word is significant because it highlights the miraculous nature of Jesus' healing. It is also sometimes used symbolically to represent spiritual openness or awakening, calling people to hear and respond to God's message.
However, the term used is not just about physical healing, but about removing the barriers that prevent us from fully experiencing God’s love and truth.
Consequently, this passage invites us to reflect on our own spiritual deficiencies of: "deafness" and "speech impediments." That is what, prevents us from hearing God's voice or speaking the truth in love. Like the man, we may be spiritually deaf to God’s call or hesitant to express our faith. As a result of this, the healing Jesus offers is not just physical; He desires to open our hearts and minds to hear His word and to share His love with others.
In the context of our day-to-day living experience, the concept Ephphatha is a call to reflect on what areas of our lives need to be opened to God. It challenges us to examine our spiritual deafness; those times when we fail to listen to His promptings, or are closed for the bountiful grace of God to be effective in our lives. The openness here also symbolises the opening of every closed door before us. That is to say with the utterance of this word: "Ephphatha," doors of healing, restoration, connections etc. will certainly be opened in our lives.
Finally, as we meditate on this miracle, we are reminded that Christ is present in our lives, ready to touch us where we need healing. It’s an opportunity to pray for the grace to listen more attentively to God's voice and to speak the truth with clarity and love in our daily interactions without cost as Christ Himself who loves beyond boundaries.
Peace be with you and + May the Lord bless His words in our hearts. Amen.
Let us pray
O God, who enlightened the Slavic peoples through the brothers Saints Cyril and Methodius, grant that our hearts may grasp the words of your teaching, and perfect us as a people of one accord in true faith and right confession. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen
© The ARCHIVE 14022025
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