23^rd Sunday in Ordinary Time-B

I Reading: Isaiah 35:4-7: Isaiah rejoices in the hope of Israel’s return from exile. Among the first to enjoy the blessings of restoration will be those who are deaf or dumb, blind or lame.

II Reading: James 2:1-5: James points out the contradiction of believing in Christ yet treating those who are poor as inferior.

Gospel: Mark 7:31-37: The miracle reflects the first reading and is a sign that Jesus fulfils the Old Testament prophesies about the coming of the Messiah.

Today’s three reading express the messianic act of Jesus as the Son of God.

Let us reflect upon two questions:

Why is God so attached to the needy, poor and suffering people? Because of their strong faith in God and total dependency upon God’s providence and blessings.

What must we do to follow Jesus Christ or the message of the gospel? We must love Jesus with our whole heart, mind and strength and love our neighbours as ourselves. Preferential option for the poor, sinners, and outcastes or marginalised  in the society.

The Verdict Sought for One’s Service: Doing Everything Well, Mk 7:31-37

The verdict Christ wants pronounced upon every man is, “He has done everything well” (Mk 7:37). “Well done you good and faithful servant” (Mt 25:21). How can we be assured of such a verdict by God? Jesus shows us how in this passage.

1. He look after his own personal needs and the needs of his loved ones (the disciples (v.31)

2. He listened to the pleas of the people for help (v.32)

3. He was considerate of the feelings and conditions of others (v.33)

4. He trusted God for power (v.34-35)

5. He sought no personal applause or praise of people (v.36)

6. He demanded a verdict: “He has done everything well” (v.37)

Thought: The source of the man’s healing was Jesus. Therefore believers must use everything at their disposal to proclaim Jesus as the source of People’s deliverance (salvation).

The miracle was two things:

1) It was proof that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God himself. Isaiah had predicted such miracles of the Messiah (Is 35:5-6; Lk 4:18-19,21; Acts 10:38).

2) It was demonstration of tender consideration for the needs and feelings of others-a strong lesson for every believer (Mt 20:28; Jn 20:21; Heb 13:3).

We cannot understand God’s plan unless He reveals to us. Only the Spirit can help us to understand God’s plans of love for us; only He can give us the strength to follow Christ.

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