Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: February 14, 2025

Date: Memorials of Saints Cyril and Methodius

Scripture Text: Mark 7:31-37

Jesus 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.”

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The gospel for today taken from Mark recounts Jesus’ healing of a deaf man. Three things emerge from this reading. First, we see the loving concern of others for the man. We are reminded that we, too, can bring the needs of others to Christ. Second, we see Christ’s healing for the man, away from the crowd. Christ is personal. Last, we see those present unable to keep the good news of Christ a secret. We, too, are called to proclaim the good news to others.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Do I bring the needs of others to the LORD with loving hope? Do I seek to build a personal relationship with Christ? How am I sharing the good news with others?

Praying:

LORD, Jesus Christ, Son of God, our Redeemer and brother, we turn to You this day with the needs of our sisters and brothers. LORD, please help (names of those you bring to Christ). And help me LORD to bring You to others and others to You daily. Grant that I may bear your good news through my life and through my words and actions this day. Amen.