A Reading
They brought to him a deaf man who had an impediment in his speech; and they begged him to lay his hand on him. He took him aside in private, away from the crowd, and put his fingers into his ears, and he spat and touched his tongue. Then looking up to heaven, he sighed and said to him, “Ephphatha,” that is, “Be opened.” And immediately his ears were opened, his tongue was released, and he spoke plainly. (Mark 7: 32-35)
A Thought
Being away in the Lake District for a few days, on Sunday we attended communion service in Hawkshead.
Paul was playing the organ. Before and after the service, we were treated to a medley of tunes that aren’t necessarily listed in the hymn book. The most unexpected were the theme to Captain Pugwash, the theme of the American Marine Corp, and O, When the saints. It was more like listening to a fair organ medley.
The service only started when the medley had finished. No one wished to interrupt the repertoire just because the service was due to start. There were smiles, winks and glances all around.
Jesus does things differently from those we expect. Even before manners and etiquette became established, it would have been rude to poke your fingers into someone or spit in their mouth.
Jesus breaks the mould of expected behaviour and asks us to have an open mind about the Kingdom of God. He asks us to be open to change in our life, open to the feelings of joy and peace when we accept Jesus Christ and enjoy an eternal relationship with God.
Paul’s style of organ worship was very different. Are we open to a different life with Jesus?
A prayer
Lord open our ears, that we may hear your Word.
Open our eyes, that we may see your creation.
Open our mouths, that we may proclaim your story.
Open our hearts, that we may feel your love.
Open our minds, that we may believe in you.
Amen