MARK 7:32-35

People brought to Jesus a deaf man who had a speech impediment and begged him to lay his hand on him. He took him off by himself away from the crowd. He put his finger into the man’s ears, and spitting, touched his tongue; then he looked up to heaven and groaned, and said to him “Ephphatha!” (that is, “Be opened!”) And immediately the man’s ears were opened, his speech impediment was removed, and he spoke plainly. 

Gospelthink: I healed the man, but did not want to make a big show of it. Have I given into pride too much in my life?

"Jump in the Cadillac, anything you want just to put a smile on it. You deserve it, baby and I’m gonna give it to you. Gold jewelry shining so bright, strawberry champagne on ice, lucky for you, that’s what I like. If you say you want a good time, well, here I am. Talk to me."

It felt very good for the deaf and mute man to finally hear and finally be able to talk. He had never been able to do that until the Lord finally intervened in his life. What was most important to him at that time, the feeling good or the ability to finally communicate? The emotions of the moment dominated his life, and he was very happy that he felt the way he did, but in the long run, the most important part of his life was the ability to communicate with people.

Feelings often dictate behavior and attitude. It is part of our human nature that we enjoy if the feelings are good. In a love situation then, feelings become so important that they drown out what is really important. In Bruno Mars' song "That's What I Like," what the man in the relationship likes is a good time and the feelings that go with it. But it seems that the more important part of the relationship is dictated by his words to "say you want a good time," and "talk to me." Communication is more important than the feelings.

The reason is obvious to a person who is interested in pursuing a relationship for a longer time than it takes to simply feel good. If a couple wants to make the relationship last, they must talk about the way they feel, and anything else that enters into the relationship. The word is "talk" since all the other feelings will usually disappear in the relationship.

"Talk to me" is perhaps the single most important statement that a couple must make to each other.

PRAYER

Good and gracious God,  one of the areas of living well is that we are able to communicate with one another. Give us the grace to understand that as we grow in a romantic love of another, and give us the grace to understand it with everyone we meet.. Be with us, we pray.

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GUIDE FOR CLASSROOM PRESENTATION AND PERSONAL ENRICHMENT

Theme: In romantic life, what feels good is important, but talking is more important.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
1. In your opinion, in the Gospel, what is the significance of Jesus taking the man off by himself?
2. Touching someone as Jesus does in the Gospel is a way of showing care. In our society right now, what profession shows the most care?
3. The song talks of material things. Why are material things so important to us?
4. What is the strongest emotion that a human being feels?
5. What are the characteristics of people who are communicating well?
6. In general, do most people communicate well with others?
7. If "talking" is the single most important part of a relationship as the meditation says, what are some other important parts?
8. What does the song "That's What I Like" teach young people?    

©2007 Capuchin Province of Mid-America
Fr. Mike Scully is a member of the Capuchin Province of Mid-America