In this episode we reflect on a Gospel passage in which Jesus encountered a person who could neither hear nor speak. His command: “Ephphatha!” translates as “Open Up!” and reminds us that one aspect of healing is to open ourselves to the power of love. Please scroll to the bottom of the page to comment on, like or share this episode.
Lauren & Jon, I thank God and you for your faithfulness to your spiritual ministry.
Thank you, Jane. Hope all is well with you and your ministry in retirement.
Jesus understood and showed compassion for this man. And how he would need to understand and interpret the magnitude of the impact this change would be to his life. That was a gift.
Hearing impaired myself I struggle in a world that others can not comprehend the feeling of limitations. Of course I would not wish this on anyone it is hard to not feel hurt and wish for more understanding. But I am at fault at times for talking over others and not listening. We all need understanding and patience.
Lauren you understand and is very patient and make sure what you say to me I hear correctly. Your compassion and understanding is greatly appreciated.
Thank you
Healing comes in many ways. Sometimes learning to live with our limitations is a healing. We may not be cured like this man was, yet we have the opportunity to learn that vulnerability is essential in our spiritual growth. We learn the need for patience and understanding for ourselves and others which is also healing. This kind of healing empowers us to love ourselves and others more deeply.
To add to what I said during the online discussion: My experience has been that another aspect of muteness (or vocal chord dysfunction which is much milder) is that one cannot scream or vocalize at all in an emergency. I found this knowledge intensely disturbing at first, then slowly moved toward becoming accustomed to it over the past 22 years. I still find the thought stressful when I think about it, though. Jesus changed this man’s life in many ways, probably more than any of us know.
Thank you, Theresa. Learning to live with a limitation in itself is a healing. There still may be stress yet one learns to enjoy life and trust that God will provide. And one is given many opportunities to renew that trust in God which again may be very stressful.