Homily for Friday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time

We hear a strange word from Jesus in our Gospel reading: "ephphatha", "that is, be opened." The sense of "ephphatha" is to appreciate the many opportunities we have for bringing God's friendship and forgiveness into our lives and the lives of those we love and encounter in this life. 

"Ephphatha" is to recognize and be thankful for who we are and all that we have received from God. 

"Ephphatha" is to hear the voice of God amid the constant "noise" and distractions that envelope us, to seek out God's presence when we are overwhelmed by anger, jealousy, and disappointment. 

May "Ephphatha" become our prayer: that we may be open to the presence of God in times of joy and sorrow, enabling us to bring the compassion, mercy, and love of God into our lives and the lives of our family, friends, and all those we meet.+[1]

 

[1] Cormier, Jay, Connections, Year B, September 2003, p.1