Have you ever heard God speaking to you? The readings from the prophet Isaiah and the Gospel of Mark describe a new ability to hear. Isaiah foretells a time when the ears of the deaf will be opened. The people will no longer be oppressed by the Assyrians or anyone else. They will no longer be afraid. At this time, they will see and hear God clearly. This propehcy is fulfilled in Jesus. God is with us now.

In today's Gospel, Jesus uses a very personal and profound method to heal the man who is deaf. Like God creating new life out of dust in Genesis, Jesus uses dust and his own spittle. Jesus takes the man to a quiet place, touches his ears and mouth, looks to heaven and calls for openness. As a result, the man is able to hear. He is healed, he opens to God.

Do I desire to see or hear God more clearly in life? What would it be like to find a quiet place and sit for a while with Jesus...to allow him to offer his healing touch...to allow him to open my ears, open my eyes, open my heart?