“Then Jesus returned from the region of Tyre, and went by way of Sidon towards the Sea of Galilee, in the region of the Decapolis. They brought to him a deaf man who had an impediment in his speech; and they begged him to lay his hand on him. He took him aside in private, away from the crowd, and put his fingers into his ears, and he spat and touched his tongue. Then looking up to heaven, he sighed and said to him, “Ephphatha,” that is, “Be opened.” And immediately his ears were opened, his tongue was released, and he spoke plainly. — From Mark 7:24-37
This healing story from Mark has plenty of relevance to us beyond just physical healing. Being open is something that most of us struggle with on one level or another. We’ve been raised in a culture that tells us we should be self-sufficient, and we pride ourselves on doing things without help. We often see vulnerability as a weakness and as a result don’t seek help when we need it.
I remember a period of my own life when it felt like I just kept seeking more and more support. I lamented to a mentor that I had never felt weaker in my life. She responded, “You are actually stronger than you’ve ever been.” While it didn’t feel like that at the time, it was true. By giving myself permission to seek support and accepting advice and help from people I trust was an important step in realizing that God calls us to community. What that community is for each one of us is a different constellation of relationships, but we are stronger when we do not go it alone.
There is something powerful in this healing story if we imagine ourselves in this scene. This way of praying is from the Jesuit tradition and often how I spend my retreat time. What would it be like to have Jesus lay hands on us and invite us to a different way of hearing and speaking? What is it like for us to have a life that is open to the power of Jesus? How might that change our listening and response to what we hear? To be open is to put ourselves in situations and places where our vulnerability is present.
If this is something that feels uncomfortable, start small. If someone asks you how you are, maybe answer fully from your heart before saying, “I’m fine.” Find a small group like one of our bible studies where you can come to know people in our community outside of Sunday morning. Sign up for one of our faith-sharing dinners and meet a new group of people from the parish.Perhaps your invitation to the Parish retreat is so you may encounter people in a more casual setting. My hope is that St. Mark’s has many opportunities for you to explore what it is to be opened to the power of God.
We resume our Wednesday night programming today. Starting with food is always a good way to begin, and Chuy and Richard are always serving up something delicious! Hope to see you there!
Peace, Beth +
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