5TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

Immediately the man’s ears were opened, his speech impediment was removed, and he spoke plainly. 

What would you say if you had never heard or spoken before, and then suddenly you were able to do both? You’d probably thank whoever had healed you—and then tell everyone you knew all about it. We don’t know exactly what the man in today’s Gospel said, but we can imagine that he just couldn’t keep quiet about this miracle. And neither could the friends and neighbors who were “exceedingly astonished” that he could hear and speak (Mark 7:37). They couldn’t stop talking about it, even though Jesus warned them “not to tell anyone” (7:36).

You might think that you haven’t ever experienced such a tremendous miracle. But you have! When Jesus comes into someone’s life, everything changes. That’s true of the great saints and those who experienced dramatic healings. But it’s true of you, too—even if you think it’s not so obvious from the outside. Jesus has given you new life in him, and that’s a precious gift that you shouldn’t underestimate.

This amazing gift of new life in Christ is what inspired the apostles to preach the gospel. It’s what they gave their lives for. They knew that Jesus had changed everything, and they couldn’t help but speak about it to anyone who would listen—even when they were ordered not to (Acts 4:18-20).

How has Jesus changed your life? He forgives your sins, and even more, he frees you from the hold that sin has over you. He’s filled you with his own Holy Spirit and given you a new way of living. He has opened heaven for you and given you access to your Father. You really have been radically changed. And that’s something to talk about!

So what do you have to say about your experience? Don’t keep it to yourself! Be like the man in today’s Gospel, and let everyone know how Jesus has changed you. Shout it from the rooftops, in fact. Because the good news is too good to keep hidden!

“Lord, open my lips to speak about the miracle of your mercy!”

1 Kings 11:29-32; 12:19
Psalm 81:10-15
Mark 7:31-37