“Be opened!” (Mark 7:34)

According to the Studium Biblicum notation, “The action that Jesus made for the deaf did not contain any power of healing. Rather it symbolized the inspiration of faith, as the external sign represented an inner effect.  During today’s baptism, the act of wiping one’s ears with spit represents the opening up of the spiritual deaf and mute. This was done in order for them to listen the teaching of faith.

“Be opened!” is imperative. Since “The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” we need to hear more of Jesus’ imparting instruction.

It was adequate for Jesus to say, “Be opened!” and healed the deaf and mute, but Jesus still “put his finger into the man's ears and, spitting, touched his tongue.” Imagine how willingly Jesus wanted his friends to receive the Word of God into their hearts.

Moreover, those who are “deaf and mute” of the heart and soul require humility in order to hear God’s voice.
The Gospel of Mark mentioned twice about the voice of Heaven. The first time was when Jesus received the baptism from John and Baptist and the second time was the Transfiguration at the Mount Tabor. There were only a selected few people who actually heard the voice, including John the Baptist and those who witnessed Jesus’ transfiguration including Peter, John and James.

Being able to receive the Word of God is a gift, a free graceful gift.
We need to well preserve it.

Remember: Many people are called but only few have been chosen!