The readings today focus on the Jesus’ healing of the man who was born mute and deaf in the territory of the Gentiles. This illustrates the prophetic universality of Jesus’ salvific goal and intention. Jesus’ salvific ministry was not limited only to the Jews but also to the Gentiles. Earlier, in the first reading, the people would witness the division of Israel into two major parts namely: the northern part which is Israel and the capital is Samaria while the southern part will be Judea with Jerusalem as the capital. The rift of Israel into two parts would be the new missionary impetus of the succeeding kings and prophets of Israel. Jesus’ ministry of healing goes beyond the physical rift of Israel. Healing has to be holistic and Christocentric. Christ in the Gospel today demonstrates the moments where we can obtain healing. There are 7 moments where God’s healing happens:

1. Healing with the Word- Healing can always be possible through the “word” of Christ. Jesus exclaimed “ephphathah” which means “be opened.” The word of God is powerful and effective as Jesus pronounced it and the mute and deaf man was healed. At baptism, the rite of “ephphathah” is part of the sacrament as the priest touches the ear and say the words “may the Lord open your ears that you may hear the word of God” and then he touches the mouth saying the following words: “may your mouth proclaim the faith.”

2. Healing without the Word- In the Gospel today, Jesus healed the deaf and mute man in silence. After Jesus spoke one word “ephphathah,” there were silence and silence became a powerful moment for Jesus to work his miracles. Our sacred silence in the liturgy, in our daily undertakings, in our homes, and in our private moments with the Lord provide the room for God’s grace in us. God needs our cooperation. Jesus took the man off the crowd and healed him in an isolated and private place.

3. Healing through one’s faith- because of the faith of the mute and deaf man, healing became possible. Our response to the nearness, the power, the blessing, the presence, and mercy of God become all the possibility of God’s healing hand on us.

4. Healing through other’s faith- the mute and deaf man was healed because he was guided to encounter Jesus. In the Gospel, we heard of the people in that Gentile region of Tyre and Sidon bringing the mute and deaf man to hear the word of Jesus and witness the miracle he has to do. We believe that the prayers of others for us are not just obligations on their part but they are part of their faith in the healing power of God.

5. Healing by asking God- the power of intercession is very important in one’s life. We cannot achieve and heal ourselves alone. One has to resort to the intervention of God by interceding. The word intervention comes from two Latin words: “inter” which means “between” and “venire” which means “to come.” We allow God to come in “between.” Intercession also comes from the Latin words: “inter” which means “between” and “cedere” which means “to go.” Allowing God, to go in between our daily undertakings and to let Him go to visit us in our problems and difficulties, there would be healing.

6. Healing by God’s approach- God will always take the initiative to heal the infirmed and the sick. Jesus exclaimed “ephphathah” because God will always take the initiative to come to us when we become receptive to His will.

7. Healing through Creation- the world has its own governing power. Nature heals and nature shapes our health and future. Jesus used “saliva” as a remedy. In the past, people used saliva as a medicine and remedy to wounds. Saliva, as a natural remedy stops bleeding and inflammation. Thus, Jesus’ saliva also stops the pain and suffering of a person. God heals through His creation where man belongs.