He put his finger into the man’s ears
and, spitting, touched his tongue.

mark 7:33

Mark 7:31-37

Reflection

A deaf man with a speech impediment is brought to Jesus. They go off to a private place and Jesus heals the man by putting his finger in the man’s ear and touching his tongue. Although Jesus orders the people not to tell anyone, word spreads quickly.

In this Gospel, we experience a visceral, physical healing. Unlike some other healings where Jesus merely places his hand on someone or says a word, here he touches the man’s ears and tongue, even using his own spit!

This is a good reminder that Jesus’ healing, our encounters with him, don’t have to feel far away or remote. He is always right there. Even though we can’t see him physically except in the Eucharist, it is helpful to remind ourselves that he is present with us, not some far off authority who simply waves his hand to heal and then has no further interaction with us.

Practice putting yourself in the presence of Jesus. Let him take your hand and be with you. Pray for greater faith and love.

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Saint of the Day

St. Valentine: died ca. AD 269

Not much is known about St. Valentine. He was supposedly a bishop at one point in time and was arrested for converting people to Christianity. He was martyred for his faith. Despite the lack of information, Valentine’s Day is extremely popular, and St. Valentine is the patron saint of married/engaged couples, love, and bee keepers! St. Valentine, pray for us!