Be Opened February 9

Friday of the Fifth Week in Ordinary Time

“You will be like God who knows what is good and what is bad.” Genesis 3:5

“Be opened.” Mark 7:34

Piety

Jesus, help us to be opened to your presence, your Word and your signs. Help us to see you in everyone we meet. Help us to hear and heed your message no matter how hard the lesson is to learn. Help us to see the signs of your work everyday in our world from the sunrise you give us each day to the beauty of the seasons that surround us. Help us to do the work you call on us to perform in this world. Amen.

Study

http://www.usccb.org/nab/020907.shtml

Sometimes, the people who heard what Jesus had to say were astonished. Other times, His message fell on deaf ears even when people were fully able to “hear.” Sometimes, despite the miracles and signs Jesus performs, people just don’t see. Like what is right in front of them is hidden from plain sight. But that doesn’t stop Jesus. In fact, to underline and emphasize his point about inclusivity, Jesus now cures a man who is unable to speak or hear.

No matter what we do, no matter how bad it gets, Jesus seeks us out. When Adam and Eve have eaten of the fruit of the tree of life, they try to hide themselves from God. Surely God knows what they have done before they even confess their actions.

No matter what we ask of Him, Jesus is there to help. Whether we turn to Jesus individually or as a community, He can not say no. He overcomes his humanity because in His divinity, He is pre-disposed to come to our side. Whether the community brings someone to Jesus who needs healing or if a person personally turns to Him, help is at hand.

No matter how much we do not listen and heed His word, Jesus continues to help us. Despite Jesus repeatedly asking people not to spread the word of His actions, they continue to tell the Good News to all humanity.

Action

As we reflect on another episode of Jesus’ healing touch, let us pray for all those who are in need of that touch.

· People like Peter, on his way to San Diego, to be evaluated for special lung surgery to remove troublesome blood clots.

· People like Tom, awaiting a new heart from a donor who does not know the role his special gift will play in the lives of another patient and family.

· People like Ann, facing back surgery so she can better pick up the cross that Jesus asks her to carry.