Ephphatha-Be Opened!

February 14, 2024 – Memorial of Sts. Cyril and Methodius

Click here for the readings (https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/021425.cfm)

There are two different contexts and situations in today’s readings that tell us of the spiritual significance of being opened. This is something that I want to share and discern with you today, as we also celebrate the Valentine’s Day!

In the Book of Genesis, we are led now to the story of the temptation and falling from grace of humanity, portrayed in the actions of the woman and man. As they listened the words of the serpent that brought the temptation to them, the two can’t resist the idea of “becoming like gods.” The fruit that was forbidden to them, because it “looked good, pleasing to the eyes and desirable for gaining wisdom” was shared by the two. They were convinced that they can become equal to the Lord God, the creator and giver of life.

Yet, they were wrong! As soon, as they ate the fruit, their “eyes were opened.” This brought realization to the man and woman of the great sin they have committed against the Lord God. The fruit did not open a door for them to become gods, but, it opened to shame, guilt and misery.

This was the reason why they covered themselves with leaves and hid from the presence of God. They were filled with shame. Their nakedness did not only mean that they did not wear anything at all, but of the realization of having nothing at all because of their separation from the grace of God. They made themselves open to sin and misery, and open to evil and death.

Yet, despite what happened, the Book of Genesis reminds us that the Lord God moved about in the garden looking for them. As the sinful man and woman hid in shame, God opened a new beginning for restoration and healing.

This brings us now into the message of the Responsorial Psalm. The author acknowledges the shame and guilt brought by sin. In God’s mercy, sin is forgiven for those who humbled and embraced their weakness. God renews us as we declared, “Blessed are those whose sins are forgiven.”

Moreover, Jesus, in today’s Gospel, fulfills the longing for healing and restoration in the miracle story of a deaf and mute man. As Jesus showed his compassion for this man who must have been subjected to ridicule and mistreatment from others, he too was touched by those friends of the man. Unlike the common treatment and belief at that time, sick people were badly mistreated and rejected because of the fear of contamination.

This became an opportunity for Jesus to work wonders and bring healing to the man. Jesus touching the man and using his saliva uttered the Aramaic word, “Ephphatha!” that is, be opened!

At that, the ears and mouth of the man opened up and began to speak. This opening from the man removed his disability to hear and speak. The gift of healing received by the man made him be restored.

Now, we see the differences between the two openings. The first was not of God and so it brought the man and woman to shame and guilt. The second was of God and brought the man to healing and restoration.

This tells us now how the Lord, indeed, desires our completeness and freedom. The Lord desires that we experience and live life to the fullest.

We are called and invited today to be open! Let the voice and word of Jesus, “Ephphatha” makes us open to God’s presence and wonders, to God’s mysteries being unfolded each day, to God’s unconditional love and forgiveness.

Since it’s Valentine’s Day, let us also be open in our relationships in order to build trust, better communication. honesty and intimacy.

Let us also be open to become loving and forgiving even with those whom we may consider as unlovable and unlikeable. Let us also open our ears and eyes to realize and respond to the needs around us. Let us open our mouth to speak about the injustices in our society as well as to share the Gospel of mercy and peace. Hinaut pa.