One of the things I love about being a Jewish convert to the Catholic Faith is seeing Jewish prophecies fulfilled by our Lord. Did you know that there are over 300 prophecies in the Old Testament about the Messiah or the Messianic age? Our first reading from the great prophet Isaiah is one of my favorites. Here it is predicted that the deaf will hear and the dumb will speak. Keep in mind that this was written hundreds of years before it ever took place! That is cool!
In our Gospel reading from Mark we see the fulfillment of this prophecy as our blessed Lord Jesus allows His divinity to shine forth and He heals a deaf man. After doing this some of those in the crowd remember what Isaiah said and realize what is happening. When you read the gospel, do you put yourself at the scene? Imagine how you would feel if you were that deaf man. Or perhaps you can use your imagination to place yourself in the crowd which watches this miracle unfold. Sometimes I think we read scripture and it goes in one eyeball and out the other. Use your imagination for good things and it will transform how you view scripture.
St. James gives us great advice as well by telling us to treat others equally no matter what they may be dressed like. This is easier said than done as we tend to judge a book by its cover. We need to work on ourselves and try not to be judgmental based on appearance. There are times however when we are dealing with one who is intoxicated or under the influence of drugs. This is different as the addiction often distorts or prevents you actually talking to the real individual as they are not in their right mind. So be careful, and this week let us take some time to help out those in need. Maybe clean out that closet and donate those old clothes that someone could use to uplift their circumstances. Also, try visualizing some scripture passages. Put yourself there. Check it out and perhaps you will see things in a brand new light…Something to think about…May God richly bless you always…