MARK 7:31–37, THE HEALING OF A DEAF MAN
JESUS OPENS EARS, LOOSENS TONGUES, AND RESTORES HUMAN DIGNITY
Introduction
After responding to the faith of the Syrophoenician woman in Gentile territory, Jesus continues his journey through non-Jewish regions. His ministry now unfolds clearly beyond Israel, revealing the universal reach of God’s saving power. In the Decapolis, Jesus encounters a man who cannot hear and can scarcely speak. Through a deeply personal and symbolic healing, Jesus restores not only physical faculties but also the man’s ability to relate, communicate, and fully participate in life. This passage invites us to reflect on how Jesus opens what is closed within us—ears to hear God’s word and tongues to proclaim his goodness.
Bible Passage (Mark 7:31–37)
Again he left the district of Tyre and went by way of Sidon to the Sea of Galilee, into the district of the Decapolis. And people brought to him a deaf man who had a speech impediment and begged him to lay his hand on him. He took him off by himself away from the crowd. He put his finger into the man’s ears and, spitting, touched his tongue; then he looked up to heaven and groaned, and said to him, “Ephphatha!” that is, “Be opened!” And immediately the man’s ears were opened, his speech impediment was removed, and he spoke plainly. He ordered them not to tell anyone. But the more he ordered them not to, the more they proclaimed it. They were exceedingly astonished and they said, “He has done all things well. He makes the deaf hear and the mute speak.”
Background
This event takes place in the Decapolis, a league of ten predominantly Gentile cities. Jesus’ deliberate journey through Sidon and into this region emphasizes the widening horizon of his mission. The healing echoes prophetic promises from Isaiah that in the messianic age the deaf would hear and the mute would speak. What the prophets foretold, Jesus now accomplishes.
Opening Life Connection
Many people today suffer from forms of deafness and speech impairment that go beyond the physical—an inability to listen, to communicate, to express faith, pain, or love. Relationships break down when ears are closed and tongues are bound. This Gospel speaks to every heart that longs to be understood and restored.
Verse-by-Verse Reflection
“People brought to him a deaf man who had a speech impediment”
The man is brought by others, showing the importance of intercessory faith. Those around him act with compassion, believing Jesus can restore what is broken.
“He took him off by himself away from the crowd”
Jesus respects the dignity of the man. Healing is not a spectacle but a personal encounter. Jesus creates a space of intimacy and trust.
“He put his finger into the man’s ears… touched his tongue”
These gestures communicate care in a way the man can understand. Jesus meets him at his level, using touch rather than words alone.
“He looked up to heaven and groaned”
Jesus’ prayerful gesture shows that healing flows from communion with the Father. The groan expresses compassion and the cost of confronting human suffering.
“Ephphatha… Be opened!”
This powerful command signifies more than physical healing. It is an invitation to openness—to God, to others, and to life itself.
“He spoke plainly”
The man is fully restored. Clear speech symbolizes restored communication and reintegration into the community.
Jewish Historical and Religious Context
Deafness and speech impediments often led to social exclusion in the ancient world. Such conditions were sometimes seen as signs of divine disfavor. By healing the man, Jesus overturns these assumptions and fulfills Isaiah’s vision of salvation as restoration and inclusion.
Catholic Tradition and Teaching
This passage has a strong sacramental resonance, especially with Baptism. The rite includes the “Ephphatha” prayer, asking that the baptized may hear God’s word and profess the faith. True Christian life requires both attentive listening and courageous proclamation.
Historical or Saintly Illustration
Saint Francis de Sales taught that holiness begins with learning how to listen—first to God, then to others. His gentle pastoral approach reflected ears opened to God’s grace and a tongue formed by charity.
Application to Christian Life Today
We are called to examine what remains closed within us. Are our ears open to God’s word, to the cries of the poor, to the needs of family and community? Is our speech life-giving, truthful, and loving? Jesus continues to say “Ephphatha” to hearts that are willing to be healed.
Eucharistic Connection
In the Eucharist, Christ touches us again—opening our ears through the proclaimed Word and loosening our tongues to profess faith. Strengthened by this sacrament, we are sent to proclaim what the Lord has done for us.
Messages / Call to Conversion
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Allow Jesus to take you aside and heal what is broken within
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Pray for ears open to God’s word and hearts open to compassion
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Let Christ heal your speech so it may proclaim truth and love
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Bring others to Jesus through intercessory prayer and action
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Live as witnesses who cannot remain silent about God’s goodness
Outline for Preachers
• Jesus’ mission in Gentile territory
• Compassionate intercession of the community
• Personal and symbolic actions of Jesus
• Meaning of “Ephphatha”
• Fulfillment of messianic prophecy
• Sacramental and baptismal significance
• Call to listen, speak, and witness today
