5th Friday of Ordinary Time - Mark 7:31-37 - JMT Gospel Reflection

Summary

In this reflection, John Michael shares a meditation on the healing touch of Jesus, inspired by a biblical story of a man with hearing and speech impairments. He emphasizes that for healing to happen, one must be open to Christ's touch, which requires repentance and the desire to change. John Michael challenges listeners to ask themselves if they are willing to let go of misery and step out in faith to be transformed. He prays for healing and encourages embracing change with courage, trusting that all things are possible with God.

Takeaways

• 👂 Jesus healed a man with a speech impediment by touching his ears and tongue.
• 🙏 Listening with 'Jesus' ears means hearing beyond our own perspectives.
• 🗣️ Speaking the word of Jesus can be challenging without His guidance.
• 🤲 Jesus' healing touch is symbolic and not always literal.
• 🧘 Be open to being touched by Jesus for spiritual healing.
• 💔 Recognize the desire to be healed and the willingness to change.
• 🌟 Change requires courage and stepping out of our comfort zones.
• 🙅‍♂️ Admitting our shortcomings and the need for transformation.
• 🙏 Repentance is a prerequisite for being touched and healed by Jesus.
• 🙌 The prayer for healing and being touched by Jesus is a powerful practice.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the speaker's message?

The main theme of the message is healing through Christ, both physically and spiritually, and the need for personal willingness to change and be healed.

What specific miracle from the Bible is discussed in the message?

The miracle discussed is when Jesus healed a man who was deaf and had a speech impediment by touching his ears and tongue.

Why does the speaker emphasize the physical touch of Jesus in this story?

The speaker emphasizes Jesus' physical touch to highlight the personal and direct nature of healing, suggesting that being touched by Jesus is necessary for transformation.

What connection does the speaker make between physical healing and spiritual openness?

The speaker connects physical healing to spiritual openness by suggesting that we must be willing to repent and open ourselves to Jesus’ touch in order to receive healing, not just physically but in all aspects of life.

What metaphor does the speaker use to describe stepping out in faith?

The speaker uses the metaphor of stepping out of a safety zone or boat and walking on water with Christ to describe stepping out in faith for healing and change.

According to the speaker, why might some people resist change or healing?

Some people might resist change or healing because they are comfortable in their misery or stuck in old patterns, and it takes courage to step into something new and unfamiliar.

What does the speaker say is necessary before Jesus can touch and heal us?

The speaker says that we must be willing to repent and desire healing before Jesus can touch and heal us.

How does the speaker encourage listeners to reflect on their lives?

The speaker encourages listeners to reflect on whether they truly want to change and be healed, and whether they are open to allowing Jesus to touch their ears, eyes, minds, and lives.

What personal insight does the speaker share about his own struggle with change?

The speaker shares that sometimes he wakes up feeling miserable and wants to stay that way, but recognizes that healing requires stepping out of his comfort zone and choosing to change.

How does the speaker conclude the message?

The speaker concludes with a prayer, asking Jesus to touch and heal the listeners, and reminds them that all things are possible with God.