The 13th Sunday After Pentecost, Sept. 7, 2003 (Proper 18B)
Isaiah 35:4-7a; Psalm 146 or 146:4-9; James 1:17-27; Mark 7:31-37
Jesus heals a man who could not hear and could not speak well. Consistently hangers-on are superficially impressed by what Jesus does. “They were astounded beyond measure” (Mark 7:37). In the next chapter of Mark, Jesus even complains that the people just don’t get it. Often even the apostles are metaphorically as deaf as the man Jesus heals. How would they ever be able to speak well the message if they could not first hear it?
They eventually had their ears opened and were able to hear echoes of Isaiah, among others, in the life of Jesus. Rightly so is our Isaiah reading paired up with this gospel story. Isaiah says, “Say to those who are of a fearful heart, ‘Be strong, do not fear! Here is your God ... He will come and save you.’ Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and ears of the deaf unstopped ...” (Isaiah 35:4-5). It may all have been in hindsight after the resurrection. Nevertheless, people were hearing Jesus say “Ephphatha” to them and their ears were open. By the guidance of the Spirit they were perhaps hearing more than even people like Isaiah consciously had in mind.
If we are to hear more than just superficially, let us take seriously James’ advice when he says “Let everyone be quick to listen” (James 1:19). In the supplemental liturgical material prepared by the Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music, published in the document “Enriching Our Worship,” there is an optional conclusion to the scripture readings. It is “Hear what the Spirit is saying to God’s people.” To which the people respond “Thanks be to God.” This is in the same spirit in which James is counseling us. We may hear the words but not hear what the Spirit is saying to us. Our deeper ears may need to be opened. So let us be quick to listen.
Look It Up
Some time when it’s quiet, reread this gospel lesson and listen in silence.
Think About It
In reading scripture, what is the difference between hearing the mere words and hearing what the Spirit is saying? What can be the difference for action in our lives?
Next Sunday
The 14th Sunday after Pentecost, Sept. 14, 2003 (Proper 19B)
Isaiah 50:4-9; Psalm 116 or 116:1-8; James 2:1-5, 8-10, 14-18; Mark 8:27-38 or Mark 9:14-29
