February 12, Friday Weekday

I am the Lord, your God: hear my voice.--Psalm 81:11 and 9

Mass readings: 1 Kings 11:29-32;12:19 / Mark 7:31-37

Actions and Words

In today's Gospel Jesus wants people to stay quiet about what He was doing because they would misunderstand. The ''Messianic secret'' was important because people were looking for a worldly savior and not the Savior of the world. Still His actions continued to speak for Him and so the faults of braggarts -- the Pharisees -- only became more visible. Our actions must speak for themselves. Words may come too easily to our lips. Action gains respect and respect is essential for life and family unity.

Why does Jesus go through the physical acts of healing? Why does He use His saliva and hands to heal, when just a thought or a simple touch would have sufficed? Let the theologians discuss all that. I'll focus on the cure, and on one more individual believing and free from suffering.

Prayer: Holy Spirit, be present in my times of struggle, and may I be silent and welcoming.