Friday 12 February

Genesis 3:1-8; Psalm 32:1-2, 5-7; Mark 7:31-37

Human suffering – deaf mute

How do we confront suffering? Today’s gospel vividly describes Jesus’ gestures of healing. His energy was channelled through the words he spoke but also in his sigh. I see this as a form of earnest prayer confronting the suffering in this man’s life. In our world today, especially where a secular world view prevails, many turn to false ways to ease their pain, such as drink, drugs, suicide or euthanasia. We are invited by today’s gospel to take our sufferings and those of our world community to Jesus with the earnest prayer of our hearts.