September 8th (Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time) Year B
Many times throughout the New Testament we see Jesus comparing himself to the Father, He uses phrases like: “Whoever has seen me has seen the Father,” and “The Father and I are one.” In today’s readings we see another, less obvious, comparison between the Father and the Son.
In the First Reading from Isaiah (Isa. 35:4-7a), the basis for the passage comes from the time period when King Hezekiah of the Southern Kingdom of Israel was at war with King Sennacherib of Assyria. Isaiah is urging the king and the people to stay true to the one, true God of Israel.
The writer of this particular passage offers solace to the people, telling them, “The glory of Lebanon will be given to the nation. They will see the glory of the Lord, the splendor of our God.” He urges the people to be strong, to “Strengthen their feeble hands, steady their knees. Be strong, do not fear. Your God will come.” (Isa. 35:2-3)
Then he makes the greatest promise of all: “With divine retribution he will open the eyes of the blind and the ears of the death. Then the lame shall leap like a dear and the mute shout for joy (Isa. 35:4-6). The Lord of Israel will heal all ailments and tragedy.
The words of the Gospel reinforce what the author of Isiah has written (Mk. 7:31-37). Jesus uses a miracle to put into practice what is being taught in the narrative. He is brought a deaf man with a speech impediment. Putting some spittle in the man’s ears he looks to heaven and says, “Ephphratha,” be opened! The crowd is astonished and says, “He makes the deaf hear and the mute speak!”.
Just as God has promised the people of Israel the path to holiness, the son of God, Jesus makes visible the sign of his promise by curing the deaf and the mute. For the unclean cannot journey on the road of everlasting joy to the Father.
How many times in our lives do we find ourselves placed in a situation where we have to make a choice between two different paths along the road? One may be difficult and overwhelming but also reflect the goodness of God and what he asks of us. While the other might be a simple route easily accomplished through underhanded methods.
Remember it is the hands of Jesus who heals. He makes the deaf hear and the mute speak his mighty word. He leads the righteous along the path of holiness. When your time comes to decide, which will you choose? Will you choose the righteousness of the holy one or the licentiousness of his enemies?
