23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Today we have the second of two healing miracles of Jesus that follow on from the declaration of Jesus regarding the priority of religion of the heart over a religion based on ritual purity, as well as declaring all foods clean (Mk 7: 19). The first miracle involves the daughter of the Syrophoenician woman and the second being the healing of the deaf-mute. In both cases Gentiles approach Jesus asking him to cure someone who is unable to speak for him or herself. For people who are outsiders or marginalized there is the possibility of being "of a fearful heart." (Is 35: 4) There is seemingly no way for them to be heard by God and they suffer in silence. In both cases Jesus effects a healing with one being from a distance and the other from laying on of hands, etc. Either way, the Gentiles, who are outside of the Jewish religion find that in the messianic age, manifested in healing and vindication for the lowly, is also for them: "Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; then the lame shall leap like a deer, and the tongue of the speechless sing for joy." (Is 35: 5-6) It is through faith in Jesus that they gain access to the gifts that God has for those who love him, despite not belonging to the Chosen People. Ultimately, it is through the cross that this treasure of grace is made available to all peoples which unites them as one family: "But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace; in his flesh he has made both groups into one and has broken down the dividing wall that is the hostility between us. he has abolished the law with its commandments and ordinances, that he might create in himself one new humanity in place of the the two, thus making peace, and might reconcile both groups to God in one body through the cross, thus putting to death that hostility through it." (Eph 2: 13-16) This family is manifested in a sacramental way in the Church which serves the mystery that has made it one. Like those who were witnesses to the healing of the deaf mute we cannot help but testify to the marvels that the Lord has done and proclaim the joy of the Gospel: "They were astounded beyond measure, saying, 'He has done everything well; he even makes the deaf to hear and the mute to speak'." (Mk 7: 37)