Isaiah 35:4-7
In the First Reading the Lord God directs His promises to everyone. God desires that all people be restored into right relationship with Him now and forever. The prophet Isaiah is inspired by the Holy Spirit to proclaim God’s will by the lively image of “streams bursting forth in the desert and rivers in the steppe”. God expects us to know that physical healings always are more than the mere action of a human physician. According to the prophet, miraculous cures announce the radical transformation of all of creation by the approach of the judging and redeeming God.
Mark 7:31-37
The Gospel Reading relays the miracle account of Jesus’ healing of the deaf-mute man. Jesus healing of physical maladies always has to do with more than an illness or disability. The words and actions of Jesus go beyond mere individuals and always pertain to all humanity. Heard repeatedly through the Old Testament prophets, Israel is hard of hearing when it comes to God’s Word. However, God is not to be thwarted in His rescue mission efforts no matter how recalcitrant the human spirit. “Be opened!” declares not only of the miraculous healing of the deaf-mute man but of the efficacy of divine grace for Israel and all people.
