Friday, 2/9/18 Jesus Performs Miracles | Healing The Deaf and Mute

All Christians, Catholic and non-Catholic alike, know that Jesus is in the miracle business. The Bible is rich with stories of his miracles and healings. Additionally, we read that faith is an instrumental component to miracles. So, if we have faith in Jesus and we ask him for miracles then why do our requests go unanswered at times?

Well, I don’t know about you; however, sometimes my faith in Jesus’ healing is more of a “wish” or a “hope”.  I pray to Jesus, wishing and hoping that he will grant my request. Somehow not believing that he will really do this for me. Of course, he grants miracles for other people; however, somehow I convince myself that I am different and he won’t do this for me. Sound familiar?

Not that it’s bad to wish or hope in Jesus’ healing. After all, wishing and hoping creates a glad heart and mind because we open ourselves to new possibilities. Wishing or hoping for miracles creates a desire to experience God’s hand in our lives and once we desire God in our lives he will enter in. Remember, God is a gentleman, he will not barge in without an invitation. And like a gentleman, he will show up for his beloved when the invitation is extended. So why does our wish or hope seem too good to be true? Are we not worthy of such a gentleman?

I think the answer can be found in our understanding, or lack of understanding, of God’s all encompassing love for his creation. The fertile soil for miracles is created when we increase our understanding of God’s power and unconditional love. When we truly accept his love into our hearts miracles happen. God loves us plain and simple – no ifs, ands, or buts. He loves his entire creation and his love sustains it.

Creation and the Holy Trinity

Last week I wrote about the love and power of the Holy Trinity. In it I talked about how God the Father God creates all that is, God the Son is the One who all created things come into existence, and the God the Holy Spirit is the love between the Father and the Son. I invite you to look back over this reflection: The Holy Trinity | A Divine Love Affair. By grasping a better understanding of the infinite healing power in the Holy Trinity we open ourselves to God’s miracles. Many church mystics have held such an understanding.

Many church mystics speak of God’s sacred presence in every created thing – every person, animal, plant, rock, hill, mountain, planet, and sun. Everything God created is sacred for one reason – because God created it. God doesn’t create bad stuff. And we live in the milieu of this sacredness. St. Francis of Assisi may be the most well-known of all those who spoke of the sacredness of all creation. St. Francis understood, and experienced, God’s presence all around him – so much so that he said Mass to the birds. He knew the little birds were special too. St. Francis got it – he knew that all of creation was filled with God and that God loved it into being.

Jesus’ Healing of the Deaf and Mute Man

In today’s Gospel we don’t read that the deaf and mute man had faith in Jesus, rather we read that he was brought to Jesus by others. We can assume that the people who brought him had faith in Jesus because they “begged” Jesus to heal this man. (Sounds like many of us, myself included, who desperately beg Jesus to heal our loved ones doesn’t it.) I find it interesting that only Mark mentions this man’s healing. After all, Mark is the shortest and least poetic Synoptic Gospel. When the author of Mark says something I believe it must have been very important to him. Maybe the author is telling us something about our desire for the healing of others.

I found three things very interesting in this passage. First, Jesus took the man aside in private, then Jesus “did” something to him before healing happened (unlike the woman who touched his cloak and was immediately healed), and finally, Jesus himself experienced a physical response.

Private Time With Jesus

Why did Jesus take this man aside? After all, Jesus healed people in the open for all to see time and time again. Why was this man different? We can’t tell by today’s readings; however, in view of our first reading and our Psalm, we can see that God wants us to hear his voice. This man was deaf and he couldn’t hear. When we don’t hear God’s voice suffering will follow. Jesus is the One who has been given the power to incline our ears towards the Father. However, the one suffering must spend private time with Jesus – like this man did. All we can do is bring our loved ones to Jesus – like the people in today’s Gospel. Fortunately, Jesus can, and will, guide our loved ones into private conversation at the perfect time.

Divine Healing

The piece that intrigued me the most was when Jesus “put his finger into the man’s ears, and spitting, touched his tongue…” It seems to me that Jesus was creating a divine “electrical” circuit for this man. Using his own saliva as a conduit Jesus opened a divine current that healed him. For some reason, a “simple” touch of his cloak would not do the job here. Once the man was alone with Jesus profound healing happened. This man must have experienced a oneness with Jesus through that “electrical” current. Many individuals have told me stories of miraculous healing that they describe as a warm light moving through their body. Maybe this is what this man experienced.

Then Jesus “looked up to heaven and groaned, and said to him, “Ephphatha!” (that is, “Be opened!”)” When was the last time you groaned? And what does it mean to groan? Normally you are experienced deep pain of both body and heart when you groan. And this is exactly what Jesus did when he healed this man – he groaned as he looked up to heaven. Jesus felt pain in his body and heart for this man. Jesus loved him deeply. That’s how much Jesus loves all of creation. Like a mother loves the child who comes into the world through her body, Jesus Christ loves all that comes into existence through him. Even when we lack faith.

Miracles Happen

Miracles happen when we surrender to the power and love of the Holy Trinity. This power was revealed in today’s Gospel. The power is all around us – in all of creation, and it will heal our loved ones and ourselves. God continues to create, Christ continues to give birth, and the Holy Spirit continues to envelope us in divine love. God sees the entirety of his creation and in his perfect time all healing will happen. Our job is to work on increasing our level of faith and understanding in the power of the Holy Trinity. Through prayer – prayer for ourselves and prayer for others – we invite our divine gentleman in.

Our Prayer Community

Our little prayer community holds a special place in my heart and I find myself randomly offering up prayers for us – then I feel oh so grateful that we continually come together to pray for one another. Sometimes I “see” us all together praising God, while offering love and support to one another. It’s a rather beautiful vision for me.

Last week a member of our little community suggested that we share with our group the answers we received to our prayers. What a lovely idea. In light of this I will share with all of you that I have included my 22 year son, Christopher, in our communal prayer. I have also taken the additional step of offering a Novena to the Holy Spirit for him.

Christopher has experienced significant losses in very short period of time (2 months – over Christmas and the other Holidays at that). He has been showing signs of increased hopelessness and I fear that he has been drifting into depression. However, over the last few days I have witnessed little signs in his life that suggest that he is moving into a healthier space. Additionally, something has changed in my heart. There is a “knowing” that the Holy Spirit is surrounding him and pointing him towards the Holy Trinity and this gives me increased peace of heart.

If you would like to add your prayer request so that we can all pray for you please do so below. If you would like to privately email me your prayer request I invite you to do so.

God bless all of you. See you next week Friday – Carolyn


God the Father – continue to create goodness in us.

God the Son – hold us in your heart and remain in ours.

God the Holy Spirit – shower us with divine love.


Today’s Readings: 1 Kings 11:29-32, 12:19; Responsorial Psalm 81:10-11AB, 12-13, 14-15; Alleluia Acts 16:14B; Gospel Mark 7:31-37

About the Author

Carolyn Berghuis MS, ND, CTN is a best-selling author, inspirational speaker, traditional naturopath, and free-lance Catholic writer. Carolyn is currently pursuing an MA in Pastoral Theology at Saint Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology. Carolyn also holds a BS in Mathematics, a MS in Holistic Nutrition and a doctoral degree in Naturopathy. www.CarolynBerghuis.com

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39 Comments

  1. Please pray for my son, too. We have been struggling to open a better relationship and good communication with him but it seems that he rejects it and does his things on his own..thanks and God bless!

  2. Please pray for my son too. Same as with Je, my son has a problem and instead of opening it up to us, he is isolating himself. God bless always.

  3. Thank you for this article, Carolyn. Its all so true. I am doing my prayer now as I am reading and commenting here.
    Yes, I need to ask prayer for our elderly father, he is 86 years old but still very sharp in mind but his bodily pains, his weight (obese) is taking a toll on him. His name is NICANOR. He also has some ailments now due to old age but is very much still attached to his material achievements. Hence, the desire to live to 100 years old. Although, he may be joking at times.
    I and my siblings, pray for healing of body and soul for our father — to make him see that material and earthly achievements are not the be all for letting God take him Home. That preparation for the journey home is very important.
    Also prayer for my husband, TERESO JR., that he be granted the grace to see the importance of the sacrament of penance as a Catholic faithful.
    Thank you.

  4. Thank you Carolyn for another lovely reflection. I pray for your son’s continued healing, the health of my unborn baby (13 weeks to go!), the health and happiness of my family and friends, and the prayers of all of those in this beautiful faith community.

  5. Joining with all of you here, I offer my prayers and commune to everyone’s intentions. Most especially for relationships, family and faith.

    God bless!

  6. Thanks for the beautiful interpretation so to the readings always, plus pray for my daughter for a job and to meet her soul mate and my daughter in law expecting her first baby at age 41, for all to go well with the pregnancy, thank you

  7. Carolyn hi im Tshepo reading your reflection from South Africa. You reflection was on point and comes at a time when by 2-year-old daughter Oarabile has just underwent a biopsy and bone marrow test. Me and her mom we waiting for the results and we pray and ask that you pray for her that God perform His miracles on her that she gets healed and continue to be this lovely, playful and ever energetic child. God Bless You. Amen

  8. Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, I bring you my son for healing, emotionally, spiritually, and healing from his addictions. Lord, I pray that he will find his way to You, and a healthy lifestyle. Please Lord, touch me, and increase my faith. Touch him, and heal him.

  9. I usually use the daily reflections to do my morning meditation.Thanks a lot for they are very helpful. I ask for prayers for my family; my husband and my son who have turned away from God. That He may touch their hearts and they will see the need to do change and believe. Pray also for my increase in faith that prayer for them is not just a wish or a hope but a believe in their conversion. Thank you

  10. Good morning,
    Thank you for a wonderdul reminder of Gods love for His people. Keep up the good Work.

    I would like to ask for a prayer request: which is God’s healing in my life. Emotionally, physically and mentally. And experience Gods love daily, see it, and be greatful everyday.

  11. Thank you Carolyn.I join my prayers with the readers on this forum,that God will bring visible answer to our petitions in line with His will.May God bless us all.

  12. thanks for this lovely reflection God bless you, please pray for me and my family, miracle baby for my brother Joe, healing for my mum, financial help, wife for my brother Caleb, and for God’s mercy, thank you.

  13. Pray for my son who finds it diifficult getting a job. He has been ill for the last year and recovering soon to get back to living his life again. Please pray that it is the beginning he hopes for with job, independence and loving friends.

  14. Thank you Carolyn- please pray for my sister to have strength and grace to be able to bear the emotional obstacles her husband places before. I pray she has the wisdom and courage to say and do the right things so that her children see positivity and that her husband’s heart may be softened toward her. God bless you and your family and your readers. Tara

  15. I have a problem with my ears that results in hearing my heart beat causing a lot of distraction.please ask god for a healing from this.

  16. Thank you, Carolyn. I thank God for hearing my prayers this past week for my health and ask for prayers for my unborn granddaughter, Ellie, and her mother. The gestational diabetes is making my daughter-in-law swell up and she had to be switched from insulin to a drug that crosses the placenta to control her sugar even though she’s very strict with her diet. They have about 2 weeks left before she will be induced. Please pray they will both come through the delivery healthy. I join my prayers to this community for all their intentions.

  17. Thank you Carolyn, for giving people from around the whole world a chance to help each other through prayer! A rare thing where technology is working for the good! I am including all the prayer requests posted here as I pray my rosary today. I encourage everyone to pray the rosary as it is a powerful tool! Please include a prayer for a young girl in my town. her name is Macy. She has been suffering from a birth defect and is back in the hospital. Thanks

  18. I ask for prayers for my dads healing- lungs For the healing of our children specially the ones who have addictions – for God mercy for their healing. For my broces and nephews for God to make them strong bealivers. For them to always be surrounded by God and angels. For my siblings and their families, for peace in our hearts . And for the health of all.

  19. Please pray for my teenage daughter who does not meet societys definition of beautiful and has been rejected by even her close friends lately. She’s trying to keep faith in God’s plan but so much heartache makes it tough-for her and for Mom.

  20. Thank you all your loving and inspirational words! I pray that your son will continue feeling the power of blessings given to him daily and building trust in the Lord!
    I also ask for prayer for continued forgiveness, trust, love and commitment in our marriage! We recently attended a Retrouvaille retreat weekend for broken marriages and truly are seeing the blessings bestowed onto us by the Holy Trinity!

  21. First of all Carolyn, thank you for the light you shine on us all. You are a Blessing to your readers.
    I would so appreciate a prayer for reconciliation between my son, his family and myself. I have asked repeatedly for their forgiveness but for almost 2 years they don’t seek communication with me. They live on one coast, I live on the other so it’s difficult. This is breaking my heart. Thank you and GOD bless you.

  22. i request prayer for my family a son who has been out of prison for six months and is trying to adjust .my sister who is recovering from her second stroke.my brother that hospice has been called in for.i pray for strength to deal with these issues and the strain of life.getting older is stressful .although i am extremely blessed.i thank God that i found a catholic moment

  23. I am having multiple health issues stemming from long term consequences of tmj/tnd …. please pray for healing and and strength and knowledge of how to deal with this.

  24. For my 20 yo daughter who has been experiencing painful ovarian cysts bursting and possible endometriosis. For complete healing of her reproductive system. All Glory to God… Thank you!

  25. Thank you for your inspiration today. It really helped today when I am feeling down with the healing process.
    I pray that you continue to see healing in your son. I also pray that all the requests here in this community will be answered in Jesus name.

  26. Thank you for offering to pray for many. Please include my son, who has been diagnosed with bipolar illness. He does not accept this diagnosis and refuses to take medication or counsel. It is taking a great toll on our family and his personal life. Only God can help him.

  27. Gina, I don’t know about endometriosis, but I have polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). I had painful ovarian cysts, and it was only when I was put on medication for it that they stopped. Hopefully your daughter is being treated by a competent gynecologist, who can help her. God bless both of you.

  28. Please pray for my 85 year mother, Helena. To give her strength to deal with my bipolar, verbally abusive 58 year sister, Clara. Please for purification for my sister Clara. Thank you

  29. I ask prayers for a dear friend of mine who is struggling in her marriage. May the Holy Spirit change hearts, habits and thoughts as he brings them back to the reason they fell in love and committed themselves to marriage.

  30. Please also pray for my youngest son, John, who has returned to some controlled drinking which leads to
    depression for him. Also, my grandson, Michael, who seems stuck, and consistently falls off the path of
    goodness and healthy emotions. He is not currently the best version of himself, but I ask Jesus and Mary for
    those graces for all my children and grandchildren and all of your readers.

  31. Thank you so much Carolyn; your reflections are faith building. I pray for your son and for everyone who has a request here. I am believing for a good blood test for kidney function and will share a praise report as soon as I can. 1John 5 14-15 tells us that if we ask anything according to God’s will he hears us: and if we know he hears, whatsoever we ask, we know we have the petitions we desire of him. I know healing is his will for Jesus only did God’s will and he healed and Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever so he still heals! God bless us all.

  32. Hi. My name is Alihuseyn, my surname is Agazade.
    Help me i am crying 😭😞😢
    I have two problems:
    1.I have recently been the victim of a great deal of injustice by a woman and her family. I consulted a doctor and a psychologist, but they could not help me. I want to forget forever the injustices and events that happened to me, but I can not forget when I remember, I get angry, it does not depend on me. It hurts me, it upsets me. My soul and my heart are troubled. Please write me a strong, effective, effective prayer now so that I forget injustices done to me forever very quickly soon. I want to forget injustices done to me forever very quickly soon. I want all my enemies (all relatives of Azerbaijani poet Fikrat Goja) apologize to me and cry to me very quickly soon. Give healing to my broken heart 💔😭 please start right now.Miracle prayers, strong prayers, powerful prayers, effective prayers for this happen in this year very quickly soon. Miracle rituals , powerful rituals, strong rituals, effective rituals for this happen in this year very quickly soon. Please start right now
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