The Gesture of Putting the Fingers into the Ears, Spitting and Touching the Tongue of Deaf and Mute Man by Jesus

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season:  Fifth Week : Friday*

*Gospel :  Mark 7:31-37*

*First Reading : 1 Kings 11:29-31; 12:19*

*Responsorial Psalm : 81:10-15*

*The Gesture of Putting the Fingers into the Ears, Spitting and Touching the Tongue of Deaf and Mute Man by Jesus*

*1) Why these physical gestures?*

*A) Communication in the man’s own “language”*

The man could not hear. Jesus does not begin with words — He uses visible signs.

*Fingers in the ears* → “I am going to heal your hearing.”

*Touching the tongue* → “I am going to heal your speech.”

*Looking to heaven* → “The power comes from God.”

*Sighing* → Compassion and deep sorrow over human suffering.

Jesus meets him at the level he can understand. Before the miracle, there is already communication.

*Reflection*: God speaks to us in ways we can understand — through experiences, symbols, people, silence, suffering, beauty.

*B) The importance of touch*

In ancient times, saliva was sometimes believed to have healing properties, but more importantly, touch meant closeness and compassion.

This man likely lived in social isolation. Deafness in that culture often meant exclusion.

*Jesus*: Takes him aside (dignity). Touches him (acceptance). Speaks personally to him

The miracle is not mechanical — it is relational.

*Reflection* : Healing often begins with being seen, known, and touched with compassion.

*C) The sigh*

Jesus “sighed deeply.” This is very powerful.

*It reflects* : Grief over the brokenness of creation. The weight of human suffering. The frustration of sin’s effects

This is not a cold miracle-worker. This is a Savior who feels.

*Reflection* : God is not indifferent to our struggles. Christ enters into our pain.

*2) The symbolic Meaning*

*A) Deafness and spiritual deafness*

Throughout Scripture, people are often described as: “Having ears but not hearing” (Jeremiah 5:21)

Being spiritually dull, the physical healing points to a deeper truth: Humanity needs its ears opened to hear God.

*B) The tongue loosed*

When his ears open, his speech is restored. Hearing comes before speaking.

*Spiritually* : We must first hear God’s Word. Then we can speak rightly. Faith begins with listening.

*3) Relevance for today* 

This passage speaks powerfully to modern life.

*A) We live in a noisy world* 

Yet many are spiritually deaf.

We hear: Media, Opinions, Politics, Noise

*But do we hear* : Conscience?, God’s Word?, The cry of the poor?

We need our ears opened again.

*B) The healing of communication*

Our world suffers from: Misunderstanding, Harsh speech, Online cruelty, Division.

Jesus heals both: The ability to listen, The ability to speak.

True healing restores communication.

*C) Jesus still touches*

Today Christ touches us through: Scripture, Sacraments, Prayer, Community, Moments of grace

He still says, “Be opened.”

*4) Points to Ponder*

Where am I deaf?

What truth have I refused to hear?

What words need healing in my life?

Do I speak life or harm?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*