Reflection
Jesus’ healing of the deaf man with a speech impediment appears only in Mark’s Gospel. This is also the only healing miracle where Jesus takes the person in question aside. Generally, he only takes his disciples aside to instruct them. What does Mark wish us to understand from these few lines?
This text echoes Isaiah 35:5-6, which states, “Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped; then the lame shall leap like a deer and the tongue of the speechless sing for joy,” ushering in long-awaited messianic times. Mark wants us to know that Jesus is the Messiah spoken of in that text. Yet, in typical Marcan style, Jesus orders the people not to say anything. However, not “hearing” him, they proclaimed it even more zealously. Their excitement is reflected in the final verse of this chapter,
“He has done everything well, he even makes the deaf to hear and the mute to speak.”
They are sure as they observe the Messianic signs and anticipate the anointed of God, about whom the prophets spoke. Happy Days!
The downside of the news of Jesus’ actions spreading throughout the region is purely political. He is seen as a threat to the establishment, both in the synagogue and to the Roman authorities. Herod had arrested and killed John the Baptist, and Jesus was hardly under any illusions about what might happen to him when word spread of his “exceedingly astonishing” good works.
Yet, can we imagine being taken away from the crowd to be alone with Jesus? Clearly, he desired to cure this man regardless of the consequences to himself. The people who brought the man for healing begged Jesus to lay his hands on him, but Jesus went further. He takes him aside, first touching his ears and then his tongue.
Before we can speak plainly, we must listen. Before we listen, we must desire to really hear the voice of Jesus speak to our hearts.
The Gospel acclamation for today echoes this sentiment, “Open our hearts, O Lord, to listen to the words of your Son.”
Today, the worldwide Passionists Congregation celebrates the Solemn Commemoration of the Passion in anticipation of Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent.
Perhaps our Lenten observance might reflect this simple prayer.
“Teach me to listen to your Son with greater humility and awareness that I might hear his voice and turn more and more towards him, O Lord!”
