The healing of a deaf-mute is the fulfilment of the messianic prophecy of Isaiah 35:5-6. This took place in a gentile territory in the region of Decapolis where the gentiles experienced the saving power of God. This complete cure of the deaf-mute is symbolic of the gentiles being 'deaf' and 'dumb' towards God and now made capable of hearing God's call and of responding to it. Jesus' gestures in this healing by the imposition of hands and the use of saliva and the Aramic word 'Ephphatha' is reflected in the liturgy of Baptism.

As the Good News of the healing could not be kept secret, St Mark encouraged Gentile Christians in this challenge to be missionary. In fact, in Mark's Gospel, it is the gentiles who were open to the Good News and became heralds of the message of salvation.

Today, we are challenged to witness to the love and message of salvation of Christ to all around us. The example reflected in the second reading (James 2:1-5) refers to the aspect of discipleship in accepting and treating all peoples as equals, being non-judgemental and to recognize that we are to grow in our faith for to these shall the kingdom of God belong.