Cycle B 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Is. 35:4-7; Jas. 2:1-5; Mk. 7:31-37

The healing of the deaf man with the speech impediment, as described in Mark 7:31-37, is a powerful demonstration of Jesus' compassionate touch and transformative power. This event not only shows Jesus’ ability to heal physically but also symbolizes the opening of hearts, minds, and lives to the fullness of God’s grace. 

The context of this miracle is significant. Jesus had been ministering in the predominantly Gentile region of Decapolis, a place where Greek culture and pagan beliefs were prevalent. The man brought to Jesus was both deaf and had a speech impediment, conditions that not only isolated him from society but also hindered his ability to fully express himself. In the ancient world, physical ailments were often seen as divine punishment, and people with disabilities were frequently marginalized.

The man’s friends brought him to Jesus, begging Him to heal their companion. This act of intercession reflects a deep faith in Jesus' ability to heal and a desire for the man’s restoration to society. Jesus, in His characteristic compassion, responds to their

Cycle B 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Deut. 4:1-2, 6-8; Jas. 1:17-18, 21-22, 27; Mk. 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23

During today's First Reading, we heard that Moses gave the commandments of the Lord to His people and told them to pay attention to the statutes and ordinances so they may live, enter and occupy the promised land.

As God's chosen leader of the people, Moses explained to the Israelites that by diligently observing the commandments of the Lord, they would be showing an example to the surrounding nations who worshipped false gods and sacrificed children to their gods. When those nations would hear of the spiritual laws of the true God, they would say, God's people are wise and discerning.

The Pharisees were deeply committed to preserving the Jewish law, and over time, this commitment expanded into a complex system of traditions meant to safeguard the law’s purity. Washing hands, cups, and utensils were part of this tradition. It was an effort to remain holy in a world they saw as defiled by sin. 

In today’s Gospel passage, Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23, we encounter a moment of profound teaching from Jesus. The Pharisees and scribes, the religious leaders of the time, approach Jesus with a complaint. They notice that some of

Cycle B 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time

 Jos 24:1-2, 15-18; Eph 5:21-32; Jn 6:60-69

In today's first reading we see the challenge that Joshua set before his people. He assembled all the people at Shechem and threw a challenge before them: to follow Yahweh or to choose the gods they liked. Shechem has been a holy place for the Israelites since ancient times. It was at Shechem that God had appeared to Abraham and promised him that one day, that land would belong to his descendants (Gen 12:6-8). It was at Shechem that Jacob bought a piece of land, erected an altar (Gen 33:18-20) and ordered Rachel and all his family to bury the idols they had brought with them (Gen 35:4-5). It was at Shechem that the bones of Joseph, brought from Egypt, were buried (Joshua 24:32). This was the very same place that Joshua chose to challenge the Israelites to be faithful to Yahweh (Joshua 24:14-15). This is near the site of Jacob's well, where Jesus spoke with the Samaritan woman (John 4).

In today's Gospel we see the challenge that Jesus places before the people who gathered to listen to him. After listening to the teachings of Jesus many of them remarked, "This is intolerable language. How could anyone accept it?"