So many ways to speak the words of Jesus!
The miracle of restored hearing and speech is a main part of our gospel today; what might be missed is the importance of the loving neighbors as we hear: “some people brought to Jesus a deaf man who had a speech impediment and begged him to lay his hand on him.” Those who brought the man to Jesus out of their compassion were not identified as family—but some people –neighbors who cared enough about a neighbor in need who was deaf and unable to speak to take him to Jesus for help and healing. And there are many deeper messages that relate to us today.
Some people have lost sight of the fact that self-sacrifice is a part of daily life—you can imagine what can develop from such an ego-centered perspective of life and responsibility. Some people have become so self-centered that they develop a feeling of entitlement—even apathy not caring about anyone but themselves—sometimes such self-centeredness extends in public office—in some who govern our nation and in all three branches of our government. The result of so much dysfunction to our political structure and certain greedy corporations leads many to a feeling of helplessness, anger or indifference—rage or depression–what can I do!
However, the government is not the only contributor to the ills in our country. Where is our individual culpability? Just because we may feel entitled to play the blame game-against Republicans and/or Democrats, does our responsibility for the ills in our country end with finger pointing? Have we rationalized our bad and sometimes immoral behavior, poor choices, and indifference to the needs of others saying that someone else is responsible!
We see family members, our neighbors, parishioners, very often suffering in silence trying to just get-by. There is a growing population in our state and nation who are called “the working poor”. They are persons that are employed but at minimum wages whose families who are on the brink of becoming homeless due to the stress of juggling payments from month to month. It can be one of our school teachers barely making ends meet, or someone working in the fields during the day and at a restaurant busing tables at night. People who suffer in silence, often feeling they have no voice, no hope.
I also hear from people that have what I describe as compassion burnout. We see so much suffering that surrounds us, we want to help and have hope, but there are so many issues, and needs that we can become overwhelmed even to the point of paralysis or despair. Where do we start? We start with God as we hear in the Letter of James today (2:4): “Did not God choose those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom that he promised to those who love him?” We love God or we wouldn’t go to church.
We also hear from Isaiah and our Psalm proclaim to us today: “Say to those whose hearts are frightened: Be strong, fear not! Here is your God. He comes with vindication; with divine recompense.” (IS 35:4-5); “For God secures justice for the oppressed, gives food to the hungry, sets captives free, gives sight to the blind, raises up those that are bowed down, and sustains orphans and the widowed.” (Ps 146:7)
How does God do all of these things? You all know the answer. We are the answer. We are how God takes care of those who suffer. That answer is also the way to end so much fear that is paralyzing so many in our nation. For the best way to overcome fear is to face it. And one of the best ways to face fear is to do good to help others, even one on one-then we know we can make a difference we are not powerless. Showing our care for one another sharing all the goodness that God has placed within us magnifies hope and overcomes fear. God works through each of us, many times, in many ways ¾ whenever we reach out and help those who are burdened—no matter their political party, social class, race or culture.
That is exactly what Jesus gave witness to; as our miracle in today’s gospel reveals. Jesus miracle for the man is symbolic of giving a voice for those who were burdened and offer them hope, help, and his healing love. No one was a stranger to Jesus, an alien, or foreigner, nor should anyone be to us. No, I am not promoting illegal immigration-but charitable outreach to those who are here and in need and contributing to our community. Let’s stop walking over bodies as if we can’t see or hear or speak. Instead be an answer to their prayers, work with our government system to foment change. You know our congressional representative, our senatorial representatives, tell them. Let’s not just moan and groan about injustice but speak out, write, and call about it.
Jesus calls out to us this day: “Ephphatha” BE OPENED!” freed from a self-centered view of life. Free from political rhetoric, ugly name calling, blaming, and do what is right. AND we all know right from wrong. Be responsible for one another and live Christ. Ephphatha, BE OPENED to hear and see where and when we can speak and do something life-affirming in situations of suffering.
I see goodness in many throughout our church, and community, people who quietly volunteer to help others and sacrifice. And we need to open our mouths, exercise our vote to demand changes and improvement. God secures justice for the oppressed, gives food to the hungry, sets captives free, gives sight to the blind, raises up those that are bowed down, and sustains orphans and the widowed, and just how does God do this?
The answer is up to…
Blessings, Fr. Gordon