Mark 7:24-37 (NRSV)
Read Mark 7:24-37 on biblegateway.com
Verse 31Then he returned from the region of Tyre, and went by way of Sidon towards the Sea of Galilee, in the region of the Decapolis.
Verse 32They brought to him a deaf man who had an impediment in his speech; and they begged him to lay his hand on him.
Verse 33He took him aside in private, away from the crowd, and put his fingers into his ears, and he spat and touched his tongue.
Verse 34Then looking up to heaven, he sighed and said to him, "Ephphatha," that is, "Be opened."
Verse 35And immediately his ears were opened, his tongue was released, and he spoke plainly.
Verse 36Then Jesus ordered them to tell no one; but the more he ordered them, the more zealously they proclaimed it.
Verse 37They were astounded beyond measure, saying, "He has done everything well; he even makes the deaf to hear and the mute to speak."
Devotion
Poor Jesus! At the beginning of this gospel reading Mark writes that he is just trying to get some privacy but he can't "escape notice." Then at the end of the reading, when he orders the people not to tell anyone what he's done, the story tells us, "The more he ordered them, the more zealously they proclaimed it." Can we forgive those early evangelists or followers for disobeying Jesus' orders and wanting to be near him and tell others about him? Sometimes news is just too good not enjoy and proclaim.
So what aspect of your faith is too good not to share? What is it about Jesus, if you take the time to think about it (and pray about it), that astounds you and makes you want to delight in it enough to share it with all the world?
We are called to proclaim the good news to others. In what ways can you share your faith today?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, breathe your presence into me today. Fill me with joy even in the midst of my stress and help me proclaim your good news to those who need to hear it. Amen.