Ephphatha

Scripture: Then looking up to heaven (Jesus) sighed; and he said to the (deaf man),"Ephphatha," that is, "Be opened," and (the deaf man's) ears were opened, and at once the impediment of his tongue was loosened and he spoke clearly. Mark 7:34-35

Prayer: So I whisper wordlessly in my heart in the silence of the morning—pretty remarkable. And the only witness is the man who experienced the event—so much more remarkable because it concerned him and how he interacted with the outside world. May I be aware of happenings in my life that have had and have similar impact.

Response: Yes, you don't want to live life accepting the small and mighty miracles occurring as routine. You also don't want to think that such miracles are isolated events. You have the capacity to witness what is happening around you and to you on a daily basis—as long as you do not become hardened and cynical. You live each day in a seemingly similar encounter with the Lord. Your only decision is to be struck in wonder, or dismiss the happenings, opportunities, and miracles offered as being routine.

Ephphatha means more than opening the ear canals of one's ears or loosening the restrictions on one's tongue. Ephphatha bestows a great freedom on one who formerly operated on nods and grunts to convey meaning or to swear loyalty. Once secure, huddled behind the barriers of being deaf and dumb, you are now called to become visible—to embrace your purpose in the Lord's grace—yes, to witness.

In a sense, you have had more than sufficient time to be in reflection, apart, faceless, or accommodating to whatever was presented. Now, you are being challenged as one who heard the word Ephphatha. But before you race off to practice your oratory, give deep thanks for those who prayed for you over these many years and literally brought you before the Master for this divine healing.