23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time (B)
Is 35:4-7a; Ps 146:7, 8-9, 9-10; Jas 2:1-5; Mk 7:31-37

The word of God this Sunday focuses us on healing. It reveals a whole theology of healing.

In the first reading from the prophet Isaiah, we see that God heals comprehensively. He heals persons in difficulty: people who are frightened, the deaf, the lame, the mute. We see that God also heals creation in the references to water flowing into burning sands and onto thirsty ground. In our second reading from the book of James, we see that God heals community, correcting discriminating behavior between rich and poor.

How does God accomplish the healing? In our Gospel reading today, Christ gives us the "how to." First of all, the work of God's healing requires that the healer not make a spectacle of him or herself. Jesus knows who does the healing through him. For that reason he "looked up to heaven" as he healed. And he orders the crowd "not to tell anyone" to keep his ministry free from inappropriate interpretation of his purpose and role.

Secondly, Jesus establishes relationship to do the healing. He welcomes and companions. He took the deaf mute "off by himself away from the crowd." Jesus is not mechanical or clinical in his approach.

Finally, Jesus keeps it really personal. What could be more intimate than putting his finger in the deaf-mute's ear or touching his tongue. Jesus also spits, perhaps to show his contempt for the evil that has caused the deaf mute's suffering, perhaps to underline the mid-eastern belief that human saliva has medicinal effect. And Jesus groans, revealing deep personal feelings. All very personal.

According to the prophet Isaiah today, to heal is God's way of taking revenge on the devil, the spirit of evil. The Word says God comes with vindication, with divine recompense. Healing  is God's way of getting evil with dark forces that cause human suffering.

And so is revealed our own mission of healing as Christians in the world. With God's power on us, we, too, take vengeance on evil. We are not victims who are impotent in the face of suffering. In the midst of suffering humanity, every one of us can calm the fright of others. We can touch ears to hear and tongues to speak in many ways. We can empower people who are under the burden of whatever handicap. Each of us is in a unique position to heal the persons around us, the creation which is our home and the communities in which we live.

We can heal in the spirit of Christ, not making spectacles of ourselves, establishing relationships and keeping it personal. Through healing, we can exercise God's power of vengeance over evil. We can change the world for the better.

Healing professions always require residency. Our Sunday Eucharist can be seen as an experience of residency, associating us with the Healer par excellence, helping us to learn the art of healing and empowering us to do the service. The Word supervises us and we ourselves are healed.  At Eucharist, we mentor one another. We learn the dynamics of "Ephaphtha!"to open up others to a more abundant life.