Jesus often performed miracles in simple yet profound ways. We see Him healing with just a touch or a word, saying, “Be cured. Your faith has made you whole.” But in today’s Gospel, it’s different – we can even say it’s rather peculiar. He uses saliva and touch to heal a man’s tongue, possibly adapting to the local Gentile customs to put the man at ease.
These simple gestures of touching the ears and tongue become sacramental, symbolizing and enacting healing. Jesus’s methods were straightforward—no dramatic displays, just words and touch, gentleness and love, concern and compassion.
One of Jesus’ challenges was that He was ordinary. There was nothing eccentric about Him. Born of a Jewish mother, He lived and died close to His birthplace. He ate, drank, attended weddings and funerals, experienced anger and sorrow, and spoke of everyday things like lillies and sparrows. He worked with His hands and knew hunger and thirst. He was human in all things except sin, perhaps too ordinary for us to fully appreciate.
Our society values achievement and exceptionalism, promoting a mentality that only being the best is good enough. This pressure contrasts sharply with Jesus’s simple and humble approach. While it’s important to strive for improvement and use our God-given abilities, we should also recognize our limitations, accept who we are, and appreciate the ordinary aspects of ourselves, which may be special to our loved ones.
Most of us have the precious gifts of speech and hearing. We should use them wisely, expressing gratitude, love, forgiveness, and support. Often, the problem in relationships isn’t with speaking, but with truly listening. Many people feel unheard in their sorrow, joy, and hopes.
Jesus used ordinary elements to perform miracles. As we read today, He used touch and words. The crowd marveled, saying, “He has done all things well.” We, too, will be amazed if we accept ourselves and rely on Him to shape us into what we ought to be.
