Gospel of Mark Series: A healing in the Decapolis of the deaf and dumb man Chapter 7:31-37

Welcome to my Gospel of Mark Series. During 2012-13, each week, I will write a post about the Gospel of Mark as I review and explore each of the 16 chapters and how it may be applied in our daily lives. My goal is to understand and pray the Gospel of Mark.  I hope you will join me on this journey as we travel through the liturgical season of Year B.  In today's post, we explore chapter 7: 31-37 which is called a  healing in the  Decapolis.

Jesus continues His journey into the Decapolis.  To go from Tyre, south-east to the Lake of Galilee by first going north to Sidon, then east of the Decapolis, then west to the lake is hardly a direct route.  Mark's aim, however, is not geographical detail, but to portray Jesus as missionary, one who goes with His disciples to people in different places, even outside Israel, as they once came to Him.  For Mark, it is in Galilee and nearby places that the gospel is first announced and believed.  Only later does Jesus go south to Jerusalem. 

The people bring a deaf and dumb man, one unable to speak properly, and they ask Jesus to touch him and heal him. Jesus takes the man apart from the unbelieving crowed and the healing in private.  Such a context, away from the surrounding unbelief, invites our faith to contemplate devoutly how Jesus frees this man from evil.

With His fingers He touches the man's deaf ears. With spittle from his mouth he touches the man's twisted tongue. He looks up to God and sighs with sorrow for the man's condition.  The human actions of Jesus manifest divine power.  The prophet Isaiah says God would heal the deaf and the dumb when He came to free His people ( Is35:4-5). the crowd is astonished ''beyond measure'' the strongest statement of surprise at a miracle in all of Mark's Gospel.

 Notice the order in which Jesus heals Him- the ears and then the tongue. We need to hear the word first before we are able to proclaim it.  What does this gospel passage mean for us?  A really deaf person is anyone who does hot hear the gospel and believe in God. A really dumb person is one who does not proclaim the gospel of God and share it with others.

In our journal and/or our discussion group we may wish to reflect on this passage as follows:

• Name the key points that you have learnt about the person of Jesus in this passage of scripture?
• Reflect on the keywords in this passage for they contain the substance and purpose of all the things Jesus said and did- ?  
• Imagine that you are in the crowd when Jesus heals this man.  What do you see and hear and feel. What can I learn from this?
• Imagine that you yourself are the one touched and healed by Jesus. What do you feel? 
• Try to enter into the feeling of Jesus's sorrow as He sighs to His Father.  
• Reflect on my relationship with Jesus and this teaching in the light of this gospel passage. What are my experiences of  asking God for healing for others
• What are some things in my life that I can ask God for healing?  Make a list of areas in my life that need a change of heart and develop an action plan on how this change of heart might occur. (eg name an area and name one/two changes that you will implement with God's help.
• What impact does Jesus’ teaching have on you (7:31-37).
• How has this passage spoken to you- what does it say to you personally

The Blind Man at Bethsaida

GOSPEL OF MARK SERIES.

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During the remainder of 2018, each week, I will write a weekly post about the Gospel of Mark, as I review and explore each of the 16 chapters and how it may be applied in our daily lives. My goal is to understand and pray the Gospel of Mark.  I hope you will join me on this journey as we travel through the liturgical season.  In today's post, we explore chapter 8: 22-2 which is called The Blind Man at Bethsaida.

THE BLIND MAN AT BETHSAIDA
The people ask Jesus to touch a blind man.  He does this, but secretly and in three stages, putting saliva on his eyes, laying hands on him, and laying hands on his eyes again.  Only after the third touch does the blinds man see clearly.

By this story at Bethsaida Mark leads towards the conclusion of the missionary journeys of Jesus (6:6-30), and prepares us for the central episdoe of his Gospel, which immediately follows., on the true identity of Jesus.

The healing of a deaf and dumb man ( 7:31-37) reminds us that to share as disciples in the mission of Jesus we need to hear what Jesus really says and share it with others.  The healing of this blind man tell us that true disciples need to see the divine power that Jesus bring to the world, and to see this not in a confused way but clearly.

Mark uses this story of the blind man to introduce the theme of blindness in the disciples, as Jesus forms them with difficulty in this ways, a formation that comes to a climax with the dramatic cure of another blind man, Bartimaeus at Jericho (10:46-52).

The healing of the  blind man is a stranger story because Jesus cures his blinds in three stages.  The apparent lack of power in Jesus may be why the other Gospels omit this story.

The blind man's two stages of seeing, however, prepare us for the two ways of naming Jesus in the following passage (8:27-30).  The three touches by Jesus anticipate his repeated efforts to enlighten his disciples and form them as disciples by three passion prophecies in the part of Mark's Gospel (8:31-10:52).

In our journal and/or our discussion group we may wish to reflect on this passage as follows:

·         Name the key points that you have learnt about the person of Jesus in this passage
      of scripture?

·         Imagine that you are the blindman of Bethsaida.  What do you see and hear and 
      feel?   What can I learn from this?

·          How does the question of Jesus in this passage resonate with you? 

      What would you  say?

·          How would we respond to Jesus regarding our blindness and sight?

·        Reflect on my relationship with Jesus and this teaching in the light of this gospel 

      passage. 

·         What impact does Jesus’ teaching have on you (8:22-26)?

·          How has this passage spoken to you- what does it say to you personally? 

·       If you were to meet a fellow parishioner who was interested in reading gospel of Mark,           what would you say to him/her about this passage?

·      If a fellow parishioner had read this passage, what might he/she say about this passage?

Gospel of Mark Series: Overview & Jesus introduced- Part 1-The Title.

Welcome to my Gospel of Mark Series. During 2012-13, each week, I will write a post about the Gospel of Mark as I review and explore each of the 16 chapters and how it may be applied in our daily lives. My goal is to understand and pray the Gospel of Mark.  I hope you will join me on this journey as we travel through the liturgical season of Year B.

During the previous introductory posts to this series, I set the scene and talked about the Gospels in general and defined and discussed the meaning and implication of the Gospel in our lives.  Then I explored the Gospel of Mark examining the purpose of Mark's writing and its style and structure.

So how will we explore Mark's Gospel?

Using the format below  which I have found effective, can take as little as 10-15 minutes or as long as you wish and is suitable for an individual,family or group of parishioners.

 SUGGESTED FORMAT

1.  Collect your journal (if you choose to use one) and pen.  I find that if I do not use a journal, then I have a notepad ready since as I gradually still my mind, distractions such as what should be on the shopping list occur. Pen and paper help to keep these distractions to a minimum. 
2. Light a candle, then sit quietly letting go of the éxcess chatter of the brain. Move onto step 3 when your heart and mind are stilled enough to focus.
3. Open your heart to the Holy Spirit in prayer and ask Him to guide you in your study of the designated scripture passage.
4. Read designated Scripture passage for the week.
5. Pause for reflection on relevant scripture questions.
6. Have family members/parishioners share. If you are embarking on this journey alone, then share your findings with the Holy Spirit.
7. Ask The Holy Spirit to enlighten your heart and mind and listen to what He wants to share with you.
8. Close with a prayer or hymn.

In the following posts, I will not repeat the format. You may be comfortable with a different format or you may adapt this format for your situation. The important thing is that we come to know and love Jesus more through our study of St Mark's Gospel.

The overall structure of St Mark's Gospel can be divided as follows:

1. Jesus is introduced-           1:1-13.
2. Jesus calls His discples-    1:14-3:6.
3. Jesus with His people.-     3:7-6:6.
4. Jesus in His mission-         6:6-8:30.
5. Jesus forms His disciples   8:31-10:52.
6. Jesus comes to Jerusalem: 11:1-13:37.
7. Jesus dies on the Cross      14:1-16:8.
8. Appearances of the Risen Christ 16:9-20.

Within each section above, there are key stories upon which to reflect. Each week I will discuss these.

SECTION 1: JESUS IS INTRODUCED:

1.  St Mark introduces us to Jesus by using His title.(1:1)
2. The preaching of John the Baptist. (1:2-8)
3. The Baptism of Jesus. (1:9-11)
4. Jesus in the desert. (1:12-13).

This week, let us explore  Section 1.1- The title of Jesus.

Although we are looking at the very first verse and only one verse, it is significant. It reads:

"The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God". 

Straightaway, Mark gives Jesus His title as Christ and Son of God. Christ means Messiah. In ancient times, it meant king, a priest,  or prophet anointed to God with oil for a task, but especially an anointed one yet to come. 

Christians confess Jesus to be the Christ and the Son of God because He:

• fulfilled Old Testament prophesies.
• was raised to life by God, not by oil but with the Holy Spirit.
• shared equally with the Father and the Holy Spirit in His life on earth.
• breathed the Holy Spirit into the world by His resurrection in God's power.

These two title terms become a centrepiece of Mark's Gospel in Chapter 8:29- Peter's confession of Jesus as "Messiah", and in chapter 15:39, the roman centurion's confession of Jesus as " Son of God".

When Mark wrote " the beginning of the Gospel", he wanted us to understand along with the audience of his own time that eveything he wrote about Jesus is the beginning and foundation of the Gospel which the church was sent to announce. Mark is the only evangelist who used the word  "gospel"or the"  good news".

It is interesting to note that the word " Christ" occurs seven times throughout his gospel, whereas Jesus is named the "'Son of God" twice by God Himself and on five other occassions. As we explore Mark's gospel, we may wish to keep this in mind and perhaps make a note of it in our journal, since we may wish to find these examples and understand the title in context of the texts.

On reflecting on this short verse, we may wish to appreciate the difference between the evangelists.  Each week at Mass, we hear ' the gospel according to...

As a family/parishioner or small study group, why not explore the following:Each member tell a story/event that all members are familiar. 

1. Allow a certain time for each member to share.
   b)Have one member of the group write each member's contribution.
   (c)When each member has finished, allow the recorder to reflect back what he/she wrote.(d)Observe and discuss the similarities and differences in the same story/event by each member.
   NB: It is important however to remember that the evangelists were inspired by the Holy Spirit. Listen to Jesus as He introduces Himself to you.
2. What does it mean to know Jesus as Messiah- the one who saves  in my life? What areas of my life need Jesus as Messiah to save?
3. How might you tell the Gospel- spread the good news to others ( family, work colleagues, parishioners, those we meet each day).
4. Share with the group your own reflection thoughts on how this verse has introduced you to Jesus in a new or different way.

 In the next post, we will further explore being introduced to Jesus by the preaching of John the Baptist.

Often we say no news is good news. In some instances, this is indeed true.  However, when it comes to introducing others to Christ, it is indeed good news to hear the Gospel, appreciate more fully terms such as Gospel, Christ, Messiah and Son of God mean at a deeper level and introduce Our Messiah  to others.  

                                                         

Collect for 23rd Sunday of Year B

COLLECT SERIES

THE MASS: COLLECT SERIES ICON.

COLLECT

The Collect for the 23rd Sunday of the Year reads as follows:

O God, by whom we are redeemed and receive adoption,

Look graciously upon Your beloved sons and daughters,

that those who believe in Christ,

may receive true freedom and an everlasting inheritance.

In making this prayer tangible for during the week, the following reflection questions emerged:

  REFLECTION QUESTIONS

1.What does it mean to me to be redeemed?

2. What difference will being redeemed make in my life this week with my family, friends, colleagues, strangers?

3.What does it mean to me to receive adoption from God?

4. What does it mean to me this week to be a beloved son or daughter of God?

5. If someone asked you this week why do you believe in Christ?- what answer would you give him/her?

6. What do you consider true freedom to be? Is it similar to/different from God's true freedom?

7. How can i examine my life ( or one area) of my life in the light of everlasting inheritance?  What can I change/improve this week?

 GOSPEL REFLECTION

In today's Gospel, we hear how Jesus made the deaf hear and the dumb speak.

You may wish to read my thoughts on this gospel from Mark (7:31-37).  There are a couple of key areas to consider as we hear this Gospel read. They are as follows:

·        Jesus heals the ears first and then tongue- we need to hear the word of God first before         we can proclaim it.

·        Healing of the deaf and dumb man is also me at any time.  I need to be healed from the       deafness that I have allowed to permeate my life.  I need to be healed from dumbness-        of not speaking out to help a neighbour/colleague at work when injustice has occurred.

•   Listening to this Gospel invites us to consider our deafness and dumbness. 

·  Jesus healing is miraculous for the deaf and dumb man. The crowd acknowledge it and say "' He does all things well''.  We may think that there are no miracles in our life. Every day when we wake up is a miracle and blessing- God is providing us with another day to know, love and serve Him.  Everything we do and say and even not say can be a miracle for another person. A kind word here or a smile there can light up another person's world- it opens them up to hearing the world from a God perspective and the chance for them to share it with others.  This is just with a smile or a kind word. What miracles do we hear and speak of in our own lives? Do we say "God has done all things well'' in gratitude.  

·   It invites us to think of those who experience physical deafness: with hearing aids, it             makes it easier for the deaf person to hear. However it is not easy for the deaf person - it      is not the same as having one's own physical hearing.  Perhaps we may wish to be more     patient with someone who suffers hearing loss.  We may wish to thank God for our    physical  hearing.

·   It invites us to reflect seriously on our own spiritual deafness and dumbness.  Here we can come to Christ in reconciliation and ask for healing. In what ways am I spiritually deaf and dumb? How well  do I hear Christ when He speaks to me?

·    It invites us to think of the emotional impact of being physically, emotionally and spiritually      deaf and dumb can have on our lives and the lives of others.

EXPERIMENT/CHALLENGE TO LISTENING and COMMUNICATION.

1. Place 2 chairs 1.5 metres apart ( social distancing) of the same height.

2. Invite a spouse, family member/parishioner/colleague to have a short 1-minute (or less) conversation on a topic of their choice. This can be done also on skype, facetime etc in these challenging times.

3.Actively Listen to the person. 

4. Then in your own words tell the person what you heard them say. Listen carefully to the adjectives they used and also to the underlying mood/feelings.

5. Ask the person what you did not hear- what was left out. How well did you listen? How did the other person feel when they were heard/not heard? It is best not to take notes since this is a distraction from listening but this can be used as an intermediate step to active listening if you find that neither of the parties involved are listening well.

4. Invite the person to share the experience.

5. Now it is your turn to have your conversation. Repeat the process.

The key to becoming a better active listener is to practise it as it is a skill.  Do not start on some topic that is likely to be stressful/ an unresolved conflict in a marriage.  Start with some topic that means something to you but does not carry any emotional baggage with it.  For example: My favourite flowers, a favourite movie or a movie I dislike b/c...
The other key to making this successful is keeping the conversation short at first- to give both speaker and listener the chance to develop good communication skills.

You can even tape it if you wish to really hone your listening skills or if you want to try this experiment/challenge on your own.  You can talk about something for a short time, write down what you think you said and then play the tape- what is the outcome? How well did you listen to yourself?

You can even try the listening challenge with Jesus in your prayer time. How well do we listen then?

 COMMUNICATION.

1.  .  . Imagine you are dumb.  You are wanting to express how you feel.  Imagine you are feeling sad- not depressed at the bottom of the emotional pit but sad and give it a number out of 10.

2.            2.   You are going to communicate with another person this level of sadness.

    3. The other person needs to establish what the emotion is and its intensity.

How well did you communicate and how well did the other person understand your emotion and its intensity?

In today's society we often take our senses for granted.  They are a gift from God. Perhaps today our prayer of thanksgiving can be:

                         

                               ''God does all things well'' Thank you God.

We may even like to pray this hymn as we listen or sing "Open our ears Lord''  or this well-known hymn ''Open my eyes Lord''