The use and Meaning of Saliva

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season : 23rd Week - Sunday*

*GOSPEL - Mk 7:31-37*

*First Reading - Is 35:4-7a*

*SECOND READING - Jas 2:1-5*

*The use and Meaning of Saliva*

*Jesus put his finger into the man’s ears and, spitting, touched his tongue;*

*1) Jesus uses the Saliva for healing*

In today's Gospel we see that Jesus uese the saliva for healing the deaf and dumb man 

Jesus took his saliva, and placed it on the tongue of the mute man, and he was able to speak well 

So how to understand the significance of the saliva in the healing of the Man 

*2) Jesus also spits on the Ground to heal a person*

In John's Gospel we find that Jesus “spit on the ground, made some mud with the saliva, and put it on the man's eyes” (John 9:6).

This also shows the importance of healing with the saliva after spitting on the Ground

*3)  Saliva indicates a intimate relationship*

The exchange of the saliva, can take place only in the intimate relationship

In the family when mother feeds her child, and when the mother eats the left over of the children, the mixture of saliva takes place 

In the intimate bond of husband and wife, there is a mixture of saliva 

So once again the saliva and the mixture of saliva indicates a deep and intimate relationship

*4) Jesus mixed His salvia with the saliva of Dumb man*

This shows the deep and intimate relationship between Jesus and the dumb man 

In other words Jesus calls the man for deep and intimate relationship by mixing his saliva with the saliva of dumb man 

It also highlights the importance of the relationship, that we need to maintain with Jesus our saviour

*5) Saliva also has healing properties*

Saliva is medicinal and it has lots of healing properties

Usually we see the animals, when they are wounded, they lick the wounds and gradually the wounds are healed 

Even when we have some wounds, we use our saliva which helps the wound to cure fast 

As soon as we get up in the morning, drinking a glass of water along with the saliva, helps the body to clear the various toxins, which are not good for health. 

*6)  Am I ready to allow myself to the saliva of Jesus*

Today the same Jesus who mixed His saliva with the dumb man, wishes to mix His saliva with mine. Am I ready? 

Today mixing of the saliva takes place in different forms. Some of the examples could be following 

The saliva of forgiveness

The saliva of humility

The saliva of generosity

The saliva of simplicity

The saliva of commitment

The saliva of sacrifice

The saliva of sharing 

The saliva of love

The saliva of holiness 

The saliva of service 

The saliva of faithfulness

The saliva of total trust

Apart for the above things, there are also many other forms of saliva, which Jesus wishes to mix with my salvia. 

What is my response?

Allowing Jesus to mix His saliva with ours not only will strengthen our relationship, but we will be healed from all the sicknesses and will be able to lead a holy life 

*The choice is ours*

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*