The disciples have been following Jesus and they have realized that their Master is someone extraordinary. They hear the praises of the people, some saying that he has the spirit of John the Baptist, others proclaiming that he must be the great prophet Elijah who has returned to the world. But his true identity remains a mystery even to those closest to him.
This is all part of the gradual unfolding of the Gospel of Mark. In the very beginning, people are saying, “But who is this man? He has power over unclean spirits, he works wonders, the wind and sea obey him, who can he be?”
The passage we read today brings us to the very centre of Mark’s gospel, and is the gospel’s peak moment. We can imagine that we are about halfway through a “catechism course” taught by St. Mark. What have you understood about Jesus? Have you seen things that others have failed to see and understand?
But today comes the shock surprise. After mentioning what others say about the identity of Jesus, Peter shows that he understands, and on behalf of the other disciples, proclaims, “You are the Christ, You are the Messiah.” The perfect, correct answer. So why does Jesus forbid him to tell others?
Peter has spoken the correct, exact answer all right, but what he has in mind is very incorrect, and even wrong. You see, Peter is convinced that Jesus is about to establish the great Kingdom of God on earth through power, force, conquest and political rule, and Peter and disciples would all be part of it! He couldn’t have been more mistaken
And so Jesus must state clearly the purpose of his coming, his goal. He must make the disciples understand His Father’s plan for salvation and redemption. In the second part of the Gospel today, Jesus begins to teach them “that the Son of Man was destined to suffer, to be rejected by the elders, chief priests, and scribes, and to be put to death.” Why would you ever want to be a disciple of Jesus? Why would you leave your homes, and families and boats for this?? Peter assures Jesus, he must be wrong!
And so Jesus teaches us clearly what it means to be a Christian, to be a disciple and he sets three standards by which every Christian is to be judged:
Renounce yourself
Take up your cross
Follow me
"Renounce yourself” means to stop always thinking about yourself, stop making yourself the centre of all your interests, forgetting about others. If you want to follow Jesus, you have got to first reject selfish self-centredness.
Secondly, “take up your cross” does not mean pain and sorrow always please God. The Christian does not seek pain, the Christian seeks love. The cross is the ultimate sign of love and of giving of self. To carry your cross means to join Jesus as he gives the greatest sign of love.
And third, “follow me” means to share the choice of Jesus, take part in His plan, to live your life for love of others.
Discussions about Jesus still continue. No one denies his greatness, and many even say that he is the greatest man ever to live on earth. But is that enough, to be a Christian? Each one of us must answer the question from the very depths of your soul: Who is Jesus?
Are you willing to truly renounce yourself? Take up your cross?
Follow him all the way to Jerusalem? Are you an admirer of Christ, or a disciple? Brothers and sisters, your life depends on your answer.
Isaiah 35, 4-7
Mark 7, 31-37
Fear is a big thing these days. It sells stuff like security systems, guards, gates, locks, walls and fences. There’s also fear of the economy, fear I may lose my job, fear I won’t be accepted, fear I won’t make it to final vows.
The very first words of the Liturgy of the Word today, shaped my thoughts and prayer: Say to all faint hearts, Courage! Do not be afraid. The presence of God, who has called us to this holy place today, is not seen in the removal of stress, problems, fear or suffering, but in the fact that in spite of all this, there is still the possibility of great goodness, great growth, accomplishments, and peace.
In the gospel this week, we hear about a deaf man with a speech impediment. He was brought to Jesus by his friends, and we see how Jesus treated him with great gentleness and dignity. Mark tells us Jesus “took the man aside, away from the crowd.” This poor man had likely suffered from people taunting him, and making fun of him for far too long. He was likely constantly filled with fear. So, very quietly, and with loving concern, Jesus takes the impediment from the man, and he is able to hear and to speak plainly. Imagine how this man’s life changed that day! Imagine the amazement of the crowd!
Certainly, a miracle took place this day, 2000 years ago. Of that, there is no question. A man, who was unable to hear or speak, was healed. Yet, if that is all this is, a miracle story, it IS wonderful, and we can say to one another, “see how great and wonderful the Lord was!” But, if ALL we see is a miracle...a physical healing, perhaps we may miss something more that God is trying to tell each of us today.
The person in this story can neither hear nor speak, and is therefore a powerful symbol of those who cannot or will not communicate. Fear always puts up walls, locks closed doors and pulls down the shades. Fear makes us blind and deaf and silent. “BE OPENED” says Jesus. He put his fingers in the man’s ears. I think he was silencing the frightening noise of the outside, so that the man could hear the call of God and the whisper of Divine Love that calms fear.
Before this miracle, perhaps this man is like ourselves, and our inability and fear to begin conversations with God, with each other, with nature, the world around us, with ourselves. The gospel this week challenges each of us to ask, in what ways am I deaf and silent?
Fear silences us. Fear sends us into isolation, and yet in those moments, the Lord takes our hand, and promises, “I am with you.” Does my fear, prevent me from coming to the Lord in prayer? Does fear prevent me from reaching out to others in service?
Can you hear the words and cries of others who need you? Are you deaf to the needs of the poor? The sick? Children, orphans? The elderly? Those living with HIV and AIDS? Can you hear the cries of those who need your service and help? Parents, do you hear the words of your children? Really listen to their life stories? Children, can you hear the words of your parents, those who are caring for you? Professed sisters, do you hear the questions and enthusiasm of the young postulants and novices? Novices, can you hear the wisdom of the professed?
And what about speaking? It what ways are you silent, unable to say important words like, “I am sorry,” “I made a mistake,” “Forgive me,” or “I love you.”
Today, Jesus says to each of us here, “Ephphatha, be opened!”
The disciples have been following Jesus and they have realized that their Master is someone extraordinary. They hear the praises of the people, some saying that he has the spirit of John the Baptist, others proclaiming that he must be the great prophet Elijah who has returned to the world. But his true identity remains a mystery even to those closest to him.
Follow him all the way to Jerusalem? Are you an admirer of Christ, or a disciple? Brothers and sisters, your life depends on your answer.
