Ottheinrich-Bibel, Bayerische Staatsbibliothek
Blatt 55v: Heilung des Taubstummen, Mk 7,31-37
ca.1425-1430
Jesus touches my ears and I hear the cries of those who are grieving, discouraged, abused, abandoned, ignored, scorned, in need of shelter, love, and comfort.
Jesus touches my tongue and I speak out plainly in support of those who need hope, justice, faith, peace, encouragement, and compassion.
Jesus is not afraid to touch those in need.
Am I?
[Jesus] 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. Mark 7:33-35
Mary Ann McSweeny 
“Am I?” If anyone one is Mary, it is you. This was beautiful and I have thought about it all day. How you touch my heart and soul. I thank God for you. God Bless, SR
LikeLike
You are always so gracious,SR. Thank you.
LikeLike
Thank you Mary, but you are pretty “gracious” yourself. Mary I have a question for you. (If you can stand another one, well actually two) One: I have just started reading Thomas Merton. The two books I have are: Seeds of Contemplation and No Man is an Island. I noticed you have also read his books. Which one did you think spoke more to you? I am now reading Seeds of Contemplation and I cannot put that book down. At times I will read the same chapter over and over. He speaks to me so. In his writings did he touch you in the same way and if so how? Thanks for the answers. God Bless, SR
LikeLike
The book by Thomas Merton that drew me in is “Dialogues with Silence.” I am fascinated by the concept of God’s language being silence and the notion of conversing with the silence. Otherwise, I am not very familiar with Merton’s writing.
LikeLike
Sorry it is “New Seeds of Contemplation.”
LikeLike
Yes, sometimes I am afraid to touch someone in need. But I needn’t be. I can take Jesus’s hand. The offer of a smile and kind word is within my ability.
LikeLike
Amen.
LikeLike