First Reading: Isaiah 35:4-7A
Reflection:
The words of the Prophet Isaiah were written in a challenging time for the People of Israel. The kingdom was divided and the people faced threats from other nations. In the midst of the tribulations, God spoke through the Prophet Isaiah to encourage and exhort his people. Rather than cower in fear of the unknowns of the future, they could “be strong” and “fear not” because God was with them. God offered them hope and the promise of a new “springtime.” In this time of restoration, there would be great signs and wonders. The miraculous healing of the blind, deaf, lame, and mute are named in particular. And the imagery of streams, rivers, pools, and springs bursting forth from dry and scorched land represents new life coming forth from what was lifeless and desolate. In other words, God promised to renew his people and bring them new life. The line “Here is your God, he comes with vindication; with divine recompense he comes to save you,” pretty well sums up the message in this passage. God will make things right through bringing salvation to his people. In the original context, this meant salvation from Israel’s enemies and the restoration of peace in the Promised Land. But in light of all of Scripture, this passage was pointing forward to Jesus and the Church. In Jesus, God is truly with us. He offers salvation from sins and a new “springtime” for the people of God. In this Sunday’s gospel reading, we will see Jesus fulfill what Isaiah prophesied.
Second Reading: James 2:1-5
Reflection:
The exhortation to “show no partiality” is certainly one that is easier said than done. How often do we fall prey to the temptation to immediately judge someone by external appearances? We can be quick to make false assumptions. Here James gives the all-too-common example of treating people differently due to economic status and judging them by the way they dress. While much has changed since James’ day, not much has changed… Our culture also tends toward partiality because our fallen human nature tends towards division and false judgment. It’s easy to treat people differently because of how they dress or how much money they have or what kind of car they drive or the color of their skin or what their personality is like, etc. But each person, regardless of the external factors, is a human being with equal dignity and infinite worth. What if we treated everyone with the respect they deserve? What if we loved each person we come across as God loves them? What if we welcomed everyone, no matter how they look, into our “assembly”? The world would be a different place! And likely we will discover wonderful people we never would have met if we allowed external factors to keep us at arms length. Thus, as followers of Christ, let us “show no partiality.”
Gospel Reading: Mark 7:31-37
Reflection:
There are seven action steps Jesus took as part of performing the miracle in this Sunday’s gospel. Since he could have simply said, “Be healed,” and the man would have been healed, it is important to ponder why Jesus did all that he did in the process of healing the blind man. For instance, the touching of the ears and the tongue communicated to the man, who could not hear, what Jesus was doing. Even the seemingly odd gesture of spitting communicated this, as saliva was viewed as medicinal in the ancient world. All of this physicality should remind us of the sacraments, which are outward, tangible signs that point to an inward, spiritual reality. For example, the water in baptism communicates to us visibly, through our five senses, the invisible cleansing of sin that results. Also, the bread and wine in the Eucharist that we experience with our senses communicates to us the invisible reality of the presence of the Body and Blood of Jesus. God works through the material world to connect us with the spiritual realm. He takes what is familiar and accessible to us in order to give us his grace and love, just like he did for the deaf and mute man. The healing of the deaf and mute man also fulfilled the prophesy of Isaiah in this Sunday’s first reading, indicating that Jesus brings new life to the dry and desolate land of our hearts. He is the God who “comes to save you.” He heals our souls, opening our spiritual senses so we can know, love, and serve him.
Application:
- In this Sunday’s readings, we are challenged to “show no partiality.” The next time you see someone considered as an outcast in society, treat them with the same respect and dignity you would anyone else (and how you would want to be treated yourself).
- What healing do you need in your life (whether physical, mental, spiritual, or emotional)? Allow Jesus to encounter you in that area of your life and welcome his healing touch. Turn to the Sacraments as places where Jesus becomes tangibly present to us and offers us his grace and mercy to heal our brokenness.
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