Unclogs ears, so that we do not remain deaf and stutterers
(Mk 7:31-37)
The background of the Gospel passage is the theme of initiation into the Faith, which invests the [interior] ‘senses’: they risk being extinguished.
In fact, every believer runs the risk of weakening perception, circumscribing vital energy, drastically reducing the relationship with profound reality, and the horizon of his journey.
«Effatà» was a globally expressive liturgical formula used by the primitive churches in Baptism.
The unlikely itinerary of Jesus (v.31) almost suggests that he was reluctant to go back, rather staying among pagans. Why?
He realizes that the "distant" seem less deaf to the Word of God than the people of Israel: they still have a lively conscience.
The followers do not expose authentic messages. They show themselves intimate, but despite appearances still do not know how to listen.
This is due to the fact that the “ears” of some of them are only open to cunning: they must be «unclogged» without compliments.
In fact, the action of Jesus is violent [v.33 Greek text].
The apostles believed that the Treasury of God was exclusively intended for the "interiors" - not for the peoples.
But the young Rabbi doesn’t want the disciple to resign himself, to withdraw, becoming attached to his own illness.
Condition of unkempt and meaningless life, from which the ‘godparents’ of Baptism would like to emancipate us (v.32a).
They are the true collaborators of Messiah, who bring him a «deaf» [not dumb but] «stammerer».
Christ then brings us out, «aside» (v.33). He wants to separate every believer from the way of reasoning around; detach him from qualunquist goals.
«Open up yourself!» there remains the urgent invitation to explore new paths again: unravelling the dialogue, to be concrete and respectful, by putting life on the line. Enriching themselves and others.
The only great ‘miracle’ is to dilate each person to perception and communication, prolonging the creative Action.
Because looking for the truth in deep listening, we no longer stammer.
In Semitic culture, ‘saliva’ [v.33: «and having spat, He touched the tongue of him»] was considered condensed breath.
Image of the same Spirit who frees us from alienation - of course, not starting from the outside.
Evangelization must also be configured in this concomitance, in solidarity with the realization, and committed to processes; from the inside.
So we will live fluently, and proclaim the Good News for our Happiness; by finding unexpected solutions.
Unfortunately, the "closest" disciples continued to want to preach the «Son of man» as «the» [that] Messiah they expected (v. 36).
In this way, however, the ears were closed and the tongue tied, shrinking the soul, spirit, and hands.
In Baptism - on the contrary - the Master and Lord enables us to listen to the «Word» which becomes an «event», so that we make what is proclaimed resound to others.
We used to be stammering. Through this unseal we have been made up believers and prophets.
The aptitude of the ‘sons’? Opening the soul to the world.
And the mission of the Church is not to decide everything, but making people listen and proclaiming. Without the a-priori of unnecessary references.
«Opening up» remains our decisive Vocation.
[23rd Sunday in O.T. (year B) September 8, 2024]
