Slow Down and Listen

This week we encounter the story of Jesus healing a man who was deaf and had a speech impediment. Jesus performs this miracle in a deeply intimate way — He takes the man away from the crowd, put His finger into the man’s ear, touched his tongue, spits and says, “Ephphatha” meaning “be opened.” Immediately, this man’s ears were opened, his speech was restored, and he was able to speak clearly.

This miracle was a profound personal encounter with Christ that speaks powerfully to the themes of healing and openness. The Gospel invites us to reflect on the barriers in our own lives that prevent us from hearing God’s voice. Often, these barriers are not physical ailments but the noise, distractions, and busyness of our daily routines that keep us from truly listening to God.

The first reading this week compliments the Gospel beautifully by offering a vision of hope and restoration. The prophet Isaiah proclaims, “Say to those whose hearts are frightened: Be strong, fear not! Here is your God…” (Is 35:4). Isaiah goes on to describe a time when the eyes of the blind and the ears of the deaf will be open, and the tongue of the mute will sing. These are physical and spiritual promises of healing and renewal that call us to trust in God’s presence and His ability to transform our lives.

In both the Gospel and first reading, there is a profound call to slow down, to listen, and to be open to God’s action in our lives. Remember that in the Gospel Jesus takes the man away from the crowd to be healed. This is a reminder to each of us that in our noisy, and fast-paced world, we need to take time to step away, be still and listen for God’s voice. God is always there, waiting for us, ready to heal and renew us, but we must be willing to slow down and allow ourselves to be opened to His presence.

In a spiritual sense, the act of listening is more than just hearing; it is an active engagement with God’s word and His will for us. In the silence of prayer and reflection, we will hear God speaking to our own hearts, guiding us, and offering us the peace and clarity we need. However, deliberate effort is required to quiet the noise around and within us. We need to resist the all too familiar temptation to be constantly busy, filling every moment with activity and instead create space for God to speak.

Our modern world prioritizes speed and productivity. It is viewed as countercultural to slow down and listen, yet this is precisely what we are called to do as followers of Christ. By embracing moments of stillness and silence, we open ourselves to the grace and mercy of God.

This week let us prioritize and take to heart the importance of making time for God in our lives. Let us ask for the grace to be opened to God, to slow down and listen.

*Executive Director
Maryland Catholic Conference

By Jenny Kraska *