The Miracle of Ephphatha [Thanksgiving]

A man who is deaf and can barely speak is brought to Jesus. Jesus takes him aside, away from the crowd, puts his fingers into his ears and touches his tongue. Then he looks up to heaven, sighs and says, “Ephphatha.” At that moment the man’s ears are opened, his tongue is set free, and he speaks plainly.

Without ears to hear, a person may hear the mysteries of God yet neither understand them nor pass them on. Like that sick man, we too had ears closed by the noise of the world, and we had grown so used to the darkness that we could not see the light. It is the cross of Jesus Christ that has opened those ears and eyes. Now we have become people who can tell good words from evil ones, and the narrow way from the broad.

Only where we deny ourselves and take up our own cross can fruit be borne, just as an acorn falls to the ground and puts down roots. God gives even rebuke and discipline as an opportunity, not because he hates but because he loves. When someone realizes this and repents, the miracle of Ephphatha always takes place in that life. Proclaiming the truth we have heard, and so bringing that same miracle to other souls, is the offering of ourselves we give at Thanksgiving.