2024

23rd Sunday of Year B

September 8, 2024 Introduction

INTRODUCTION

HOLY SEE

HOMILIES

MUSIC

CHILDREN

PRAYERS

COMMENTARY

BRANT PITREFR. O'MAHONYFR. MARTINHECTOR MOLINA

SOURCE: The Mass Readings Explained

Jesus’ healing of the deaf and mute man is a fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy, revealing his messianic identity and the arrival of the age of salvation.

KEY INSIGHTS w/ Timestamps

00:00 God will perform miracles, including healing the deaf, as a sign of the new Exodus.
00:48 Jesus' healing of the deaf and mute man is a fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy of a future time when the blind will see, the deaf will hear, and the lame will walk.
01:16 Isaiah's prophecy foretells the coming of God, describing key elements that will occur, including Jesus's healing actions.
01:35 Jesus heals the deaf and mute man by enacting the miracles prophesied in Isaiah 35, revealing his messianic identity, divinity, and the arrival of the age of salvation.

SOURCE: Hearers of the Word

Jesus’ healing of a deaf man with a speech impediment in the Decapolis region illustrates themes of restoration, inclusion, and discipleship, particularly in relation to Gentiles, and serves as a parable for the importance of hearing the gospel to receive faith.

KEY INSIGHTS w/ Timestamps

00:00 Jesus heals a deaf man with a speech impediment in the Decapolis region.
- The gospel story of the healing of the deaf mute man in Mark 7:31-37 is a deceptively simple story with potential for reflection today.
- Mark 7:31-37's healing of the deaf man with a speech impediment is significant to understanding Mark's narrative, requiring context from Mark 6-10, possibly relating to eucharist and baptismal practices.
- Jesus heals a deaf man with a speech impediment in the Decapolis region, after a journey from Tyre to Sidon, by putting his fingers in the man's ears, spitting, and touching his tongue.
04:23 Jesus heals a deaf man with a speech impediment in a transitional section of Mark's Gospel that bridges Jewish and Gentile storylines.
- Jesus heals a deaf man with a speech impediment, following a conventional gospel pattern, but with some unusual structural elements.
- Mark's Gospel has two parallel chains of events, one directed at Jews and the other at Gentiles, with a transitional section in between that includes conflicts with Pharisees and healings of Gentiles.
07:24 Jesus' encounter with a gentile woman whose daughter had an unclean spirit serves as a preface to the story of a gentile man, framing a block of teaching on discipleship in the Gospel of Mark.
09:12 Jesus heals blind men in Bethsaida and Jericho, illustrating discipleship initiation in Mark.
- Jesus heals a blind man in Bethsaida and another, Bartimaeus, in Jericho, restoring their sight through touch and prayer.
- Jesus heals a blind man, who then follows him, illustrating the initiation of discipleship in Mark.
11:24 Jesus heals a deaf man with a speech impediment in the Decapolis region, illustrating discipleship and inclusion of Gentiles.
- The story of the deaf man with a speech impediment in Mark 7:31-37 has historical roots but also serves as a teaching on discipleship, reflecting Markan concerns such as the inclusion of Gentiles, discipleship as hearing and proclaiming, and the confession of Christology.
- Jesus heals a deaf man with a speech impediment in the Decapolis region, a known area for gentile inhabitants, validating the existence of early Christian communities.
15:00 Jesus heals a deaf man with a speech impediment in private, but the witnesses publicly proclaim it despite being told to keep it a secret.
- Jesus heals a deaf man with a speech impediment in private, using physical and symbolic actions, emphasizing the connection between hearing and spiritual understanding.
- Jesus heals a deaf man with a speech impediment, and despite ordering the witnesses to keep it a secret, they enthusiastically proclaim it, saying he has done everything well.
18:05 Mark's account of the deaf man's healing is part of a larger narrative exploring themes of restoration, inclusion, and Jesus' identity.
- Mark's account of the healing of the deaf man with a speech impediment reflects his understanding of the secret epiphany of the Messiah, echoing Genesis 1:31.
- Mark's story of the deaf man's healing is more than a simple miracle, it's part of a larger narrative exploring themes of restoration, inclusion of gentiles, discipleship, and the identity of Jesus.
20:15 The story of the deaf mute in Mark 7:31-37 serves as a parable for today, highlighting the need for people to hear the gospel to receive faith and discipleship.

SOURCE: A Word Proclaimed

Jesus’ teachings and miracles emphasize the importance of internal purity and the need to share God’s message with others, especially those in need.

KEY INSIGHTS w/ Timestamps

00:00 Jesus teaches that it's not what enters a person that makes them unclean, but rather what comes out of them, such as hatred, anger, and lust.
02:14 Jesus heals a non-Jewish woman's daughter of an unclean spirit after initially testing her faith.
03:00 Jesus heals and preaches in pagan territories, including a man with a speech impediment, fulfilling Isaiah's prophecy.
- Jesus traveled to pagan territories, including Sidon and the Decapolis, to heal and spread his message, making exceptions to his mission to the lost sheep of Israel.
- Mark describes a man with a speech impediment, echoing Isaiah 35's prophecy that those with difficulty speaking will be able to speak well.
05:36 Jesus heals a blind man in a mysterious and humble way, using physical gestures like touching his ears and tongue, rather than simply commanding him to be healed.
06:36 Jesus heals a deaf man, showing God's love and compassion, and promises eternal healing to believers.
- Jesus heals a deaf man with a speech impediment, ordering him to keep it quiet, but the man proclaims it anyway, fulfilling a prophecy from Isaiah 35.
- Jesus heals to show God's love and compassion, not to seek honor, and promises eternal healing and a perfect body to those who believe in him.
08:46 The more Jesus ordered people not to spread the news, the more they proclaimed his miracles, highlighting the importance of hearing and speaking about one's faith.
10:13 The church's ritual of touching the ears and mouth during baptism and catechumen preparation symbolizes the opening of one's senses to receive and proclaim God's word.
11:54 Share God's message with others, especially those in need, after internalizing it in your heart.

SOURCE: A Walk in the Word

Jesus’ healing of a deaf and mute man in Gentile territory symbolizes his compassion, the fulfillment of prophecy, and the broader theme of redemption and spiritual awakening for humanity.

KEY INSIGHTS w/ Timestamps

00:00 Jesus healed a deaf and mute man, marking a shift in his ministry as he retreated to Gentile territory to avoid conflict, where he encountered a Canaanite woman demonstrating remarkable faith.
06:37 Jesus journeys through Gentile regions, ultimately healing a deaf mute man brought to him by friends.
- Jesus traveled from Capernaum to the coastal cities of Tyre and Sidon, taking several days for this purposeful journey despite the confusing route.
- Jesus likely spent several weeks or months traveling in a Gentile region, possibly encountering and ministering to pagans, though specific details are not provided.
- Jesus travels from Tyre and Sidon to the Decapolis, a region of ten Gentile cities, challenging his disciples' expectations by entering predominantly non-Jewish territories.
- Jesus is approached by friends who bring a deaf mute man to him for healing, highlighting the unique term used for his speech impediment in Mark's gospel.
12:08 Jesus privately heals a deaf mute man with personal gestures, showcasing his miraculous power and respect for individual dignity while emphasizing the theme of New Creation.
- People approached Jesus with faith, influenced by previous events in Mark's gospel.
- Jesus heals a deaf mute man by privately touching his ears and tongue, demonstrating his miraculous power and gaining recognition in Gentile territories.
- Jesus took the deaf mute aside from the noisy crowd to honor his unique struggles and provide a personal healing experience.
- Jesus demonstrates profound sensitivity and respect for the dignity of a deaf and mute man by privately healing him, using unique physical gestures and a personal approach.
- Jesus privately heals a deaf and mute man by using physical gestures to communicate the impending restoration of his hearing and speech.
- Jesus heals a deaf and mute man by using tactile actions that evoke the creation of Adam, emphasizing the theme of New Creation through his command "Epatha" to be opened.
21:59 Jesus, filled with compassion and indignation towards suffering, heals a deaf and mute man, symbolizing the future redemption of humanity from sin and death.
- Jesus groaned deeply, reflecting a profound emotional response similar to his reaction in the raising of Lazarus.
- Jesus expresses anger and indignation towards death and illness, which are consequences of sin, as he prepares to raise Lazarus from the dead, foreshadowing their ultimate defeat through his passion, death, and resurrection.
- Jesus groaned in compassion for the suffering of a deaf and mute man, reflecting the broader groaning of creation as described in Romans 8:22-24.
- St. Paul emphasizes that those who have received the Holy Spirit eagerly await the redemption and glorification of their bodies, free from disease and death, akin to the labor pains of childbirth.
- Jesus heals a deaf mute man, symbolizing the future redemption of our bodies, as he commands, "Ephatha," leading to the man's immediate ability to hear and speak.
29:05 Jesus heals a deaf mute man, emphasizing the significance of miracles in strengthening faith and conveying salvation, while navigating the complexities of his mission and the Messianic secret.
- The unique description of the crowd's astonishment in Mark highlights the profound significance of Jesus' miracle.
- Jesus performed a profound miracle by not only restoring the deaf man's hearing but also enabling him to speak clearly despite never having heard speech before.
- Jesus heals a deaf mute man but instructs him to keep it a secret, highlighting the paradox of the Messianic secret amidst his mission to spread the good news.
- Miracles performed by Jesus are intended to strengthen faith and convey his message of salvation and redemption, rather than to solely establish him as a healer or wonder worker.
- Jesus avoided being made king by the people to maintain his freedom of movement and fulfill his mission of spreading the good news.
- Jesus, while trying to maintain the secrecy of his mission, performed a miraculous healing that astonished the crowd, leading them to proclaim his goodness, reminiscent of God's creation in Genesis.
37:45 Jesus heals a deaf and mute man, fulfilling Isaiah's prophecy of redemption and highlighting God's kingdom's arrival and compassion for the oppressed.
- A crowd in the Decapolis marveled at Jesus' miracle of healing a deaf and mute man, noting that he makes the deaf hear and the speechless speak, while highlighting the unique Greek term used by Mark to describe the man's condition.
- Isaiah 35 shifts from God's judgment on nations in chapter 34 to a message of redemption and hope for Israel and the nations, anticipating the coming of the Messiah who will save them.
- Jesus' healing of a deaf and mute man fulfills the prophecy of salvation, where the blind see, the deaf hear, the lame leap, and the mute sing for joy.
- Jesus fulfills the prophecy of the Messiah by healing the deaf and mute, signifying the arrival of God's kingdom and restoration as foretold in Isaiah and reflected in Psalm 146.
- The passage emphasizes God's role as a liberator and protector, highlighting His justice for the oppressed and care for the vulnerable, as illustrated by the healing of the deaf mute man.
- Jesus shows compassion by healing the deaf and mute, symbolizing our own spiritual deafness to His message.
45:54 Jesus heals our spiritual deafness, enabling us to hear the truth, speak freely, and share the gospel through our experiences.
- The disciples struggled to fully understand Jesus' teachings, reflecting our own spiritual deafness in grasping the truth.
- Faith is awakened by fully receiving the gospel of Christ, as it is through hearing the proclamation that we grow in belief.
- Jesus heals our deafness and loosens our tongues to help us hear the truth and speak freely.
- Receiving Holy Communion heals and transforms us, enabling us to proclaim the good news of Jesus and overcome spiritual deafness.
- We must actively share our personal experiences of God's work in our lives to effectively evangelize, starting with being receptive to His word.
51:26 Jesus heals a deaf and mute man, emphasizing the importance of physical signs and sacraments in spiritual growth and community support.
- Jesus uses physical signs and sacraments to heal and bring wholeness to those who believe in him.
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- Gratitude is expressed to supporters for their contributions, with a prayer for God's word to dwell richly in them until the next gathering.

Unpacking the Texts

Outlines of Readings

1ST READING: Hope and Transformation for the Afflicted

God's Assurance: Hope and Transformation for the Afflicted

I. Introduction

A. Acknowledge the fears and doubts people experience
B. Introduce the message of hope from the Lord

II. God's Promise: Strength and Salvation

A. Encouragement to be strong and fearless
B. God's promise to come with vindication and divine recompense
C. Assurance of God's saving grace

III. Healing and Restoration

A. The restoration of physical and spiritual senses: The opening of the eyes of the blind and the clearing of the ears of the deaf
B. Empowerment and joy: The lame leaping like a stag and the mute singing with newfound voice

IV. Abundance and Renewal

A. The transformation of barren landscapes

Streams bursting forth in the desert
Rivers appearing in the steppe

B. Sustenance and nourishment for the weary

Burning sands becoming pools
Thirsty ground turning into springs of water

2ND READING: Partiality Among Believers and God's Preference for the Poor

Partiality Among Believers and God's Preference for the Poor

I. Exhortation to Believers

Avoid showing partiality while maintaining faith in Jesus Christ.
Description of preferential treatment towards the wealthy in an assembly.

II. Consequences of Partiality

Distinctions and judgments arise within the community due to favoritism.
Becoming judges with evil designs as a result of preferential treatment.

III. God's Perspective on the Poor

Reminder of God's choice to make the poor rich in faith.
Inheritance of the kingdom promised to those who love God.

GOSPEL: Inner Purity over External Practices

Jesus Heals a Deaf and Mute Man in the Decapolis

I. Jesus' Journey

Jesus leaves Tyre and travels through Sidon to the Sea of Galilee.
He enters the district of the Decapolis.

II. The Deaf and Mute Man

People bring a deaf man with a speech impediment to Jesus.
They beg Jesus to heal him.

III. Jesus' Healing

Jesus takes the man away from the crowd for privacy.
He performs a healing ritual involving the man's ears and tongue.
Jesus commands the man to be opened, and the man is instantly healed.

IV. Response to the Healing

They praise Jesus for his ability to heal the deaf and the mute.
Jesus instructs them not to share news of the healing.
Despite this, people spread the word, amazed by the miracle.

Gospel Greek Lexicon

ἐφφαθά (ephphatha) - TO OPEN

"Ephphatha" is an Aramaic word transliterated into Greek. It comes from the Aramaic root פתח (pthach), meaning "to open."

Definition:

The word "Ephphatha" translates to "be opened" in English. It is used as a command in the context of healing and restoration.

Key Occurrences in the New Testament:

Mark 7:34: The healing of the deaf and mute man is the only occurrence of "Ephphatha" in the New Testament.

Its uniqueness emphasizes the significance of this specific healing event in demonstrating Jesus' divine power and his connection to the Semitic languages and culture.

Theological Significance:

The use of an Aramaic word highlights Jesus' connection to his Semitic roots and the importance of the original languages in understanding Scripture.

"Ephphatha" exemplifies the healing power of Jesus as the Son of God, showcasing his ability to restore both physical and spiritual conditions.

This healing command serves as a reminder of the transformative nature of God's intervention in the lives of believers.

As a powerful demonstration of God's love and mercy, "Ephphatha" encourages Catholics to rely on divine grace and seek God's help in overcoming obstacles and afflictions.

πτύσας (Ptusas) - TO SPIT

"Ptusas" (πτύσας) is a form of the Greek verb "ptuō" (πτύω), which means "to spit." It is derived from the Proto-Indo-European root *p(t)ye-, also linked to Latin "spuō" and English "spit."

Definition:

The term refers to the act of expelling saliva from the mouth. In the context of Mark 7:33, it is used as part of a healing ritual performed by Jesus.

Key Occurrences in the New Testament:

Mark 7:33: Jesus heals a deaf and mute man by touching his ears and tongue with spit.
Mark 8:23: Jesus uses spit to heal a blind man at Bethsaida.
John 9:6: Jesus makes mud with his spit and clay, applying it to a blind man's eyes to heal him.

Theological Significance:

Jesus' use of spit in healing miracles serves as a reminder of his humanity, as spit is a natural bodily fluid.

These instances of healing with spit demonstrate the power and authority of Jesus over both physical ailments and spiritual afflictions, affirming his divinity.

The use of spit as a conduit for healing emphasizes the importance of faith and the belief that God can use ordinary elements to bring about extraordinary transformations.

Catholics can draw inspiration from these stories, recognizing that their faith in God's healing power can help them overcome various obstacles in life.

ἐντολὴν (entolēn) - COMMANDMENT

στενάζω (stenazō) - TO GROAN

The Greek word "stenazo" (στενάζω) comes from the root "sten-" (στεν-), which implies a sense of compression or tightening, such as being squeezed or constricted.

Definition:

"Stenazo" (στενάζω) means to groan, sigh, or express a deep and heartfelt emotion, often associated with pain, distress, or spiritual yearning.

Key Occurrences in the New Testament:

Mark 7:34: Jesus groans while healing a deaf and mute man.
Romans 8:23, 26: The creation groans, waiting for redemption, and the Spirit intercedes with groans for believers.
2 Corinthians 5:2: Paul mentions groaning while in the earthly body, longing for the heavenly dwelling.

Theological Significance:

Groaning signifies empathy and deep emotional connection in Jesus' healing ministry.

Groaning represents the human experience of suffering and longing for spiritual wholeness and redemption.

The Holy Spirit's intercession through groans highlights divine assistance and solidarity with believers in their struggles.

For Catholics, groaning serves as a reminder of the importance of connecting with the deepest human experiences and relying on God's compassion and grace amid hardships.

Sunday Planner

by Fr. Lawrence Mick
2018 Column

The readings call our attention to God’s healing power. Isaiah foretold: “Then will the eyes of the blind be opened, the ears of the deaf be cleared; then will the lame leap like a stag, then the tongue of the mute will sing.” Jesus fulfills that prophecy in the Gospels, including the man with hearing and speech problems.

The church continues that healing ministry in various ways, but the primary channel of that ministry is the anointing of the sick. It has been more than 45 years since the revision of this sacrament was issued. That’s more than two generations, yet we still have many Catholics who do not understand this sacrament or know when to ask for it. Though many of them don’t come to church and only call when someone is on their deathbed to ask for the “last rites,” there are many in our pews who still need sacramental catechesis regarding the anointing of the sick.

This would be a good weekend to preach and teach about the anointing and about Viaticum, the proper sacrament to request when death approaches. Homilists and planners should work together to provide a comprehensive catechesis to the parish, perhaps supplementing homilies with bulletin inserts or posters at the entrances or small cards to take home with guidelines for requesting each sacrament. If you are unsure of those guidelines, read the introduction to the book, Pastoral Care of the Sick: Rites of Anointing and Viaticum or contact your diocesan worship office to seek a resource you can use.

A strong way of catechizing on anointing, of course, is celebrating the sacrament within Sunday Mass. That requires prior explanation to the parish about who is the proper subject of the anointing, but the experience of sharing in the sacrament with other parishioners teaches the value of asking for the anointing before the last minute. Is this a good weekend for your parish to celebrate the sacrament at Mass? You may need to spend this weekend preparing the people for a celebration later in the month, but this is still a good opportunity for catechesis on it.

Often, it works best to have the anointing at one or several of the regular weekend Masses, but in some situations, a separate Mass (on Sunday afternoon) might work better if you are transporting homebound parishioners to the church.

This Sunday is also Grandparents Day (in the U.S.), which some may dismiss as just another marketing ploy. Whether it is or not, it’s still a good opportunity to acknowledge the role of grandparents in guiding their grandchildren in life and sharing their faith with them. The Book of Blessings does not offer a blessing for grandparents, but Catholic Household Blessings and Prayers has one (pg. 191) that could easily be adapted for use at the end of Masses this weekend.

SOURCE: Fr. Mick’s column was originally published in CELEBRATION, the pastoral and worship planning resource which served readers from 1972 until 2019.