Family Bible Study - September 6th, 2009 - 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Gospel Reading:
Mark 7:31 Then he returned from the region of Tyre, and went by way of Sidon
towards the Sea of Galilee, in the region of the Decapolis. 32 They brought to him a
deaf man who had an impediment in his speech; and they begged him to lay his hand
on him. 33 He took him aside in private, away from the crowd, and put his fingers
into his ears, and he spat and touched his tongue. 34 Then looking up to heaven, he
sighed and said to him, “Ephphatha,” that is, “Be opened.” 35 And immediately his
ears were opened, his tongue was released, and he spoke plainly. 36 Then Jesus
ordered them to tell no one; but the more he ordered them, the more zealously they
proclaimed it. 37 They were astounded beyond measure, saying, “He has done
everything well; he even makes the deaf to hear and the mute to speak.”

Questions for discussion:
1. Jesus put his fingers into the man’s ears and touched his tongue, looked
toward his Father, and said, “Ephphatha,” “be opened.” Do you know when
Jesus did this to you? (Hint: it happens during the first sacrament of initiation
you received).

2. Jesus told them not to tell anyone about the miracle — he didn’t want them
looking at him just as a miracle worker, because he wanted them to listen to
His words — and yet they proclaimed it everywhere. Jesus, on the other hand,
has told us to spread the good news, and so few of us talk about him. Why do
you think people are too shy to talk about Jesus to everyone?

3. “He has done everything well,” they said about Jesus. Name three things
Jesus has done well for you in your life.

used with permission - Fr. Roger Landry