Commentary: Wayback Machine.
'Tis also the festival of Blessed Marianus Scotus of Regensburg, Abbot, O.S.B. (died circa 1088; A.K.A. Muiredach mac Robartaig, Muiredach McGroarty): Blessed-link & Wikipedia-link.
'Tis also the festival of Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich, Virgin, C.R.S.A. (1774-1824), stigmatic: Blessed-link & Wikipedia-link; Wikipedia-link Stigmata.
'Tis also the festival of Saint Miguel Febres Cordero, Religious, F.S.C. (1854-1910, "Brother Miguel" A.K.A. Francisco Luis Febres-Cordero y Muñoz): Saint-link & Wikipedia-link.
Scripture of the Day
Mass Readings—Feria
The First Book of Kings, chapter eleven, verses twenty-nine thru thirty-two & chapter twelve, verse nineteen;
Psalm Eighty-one, verses ten & eleven(a/b), twelve & thirteen, & fourteen & fifteen;
The Gospel according to Mark, chapter seven, verses thirty-one thru thirty-seven.
Commentary: Reflection by Bishop Robert Barron (Word on Fire):
Friends, our Gospel for today has to do with Jesus’ healing of a deaf man with a speech impediment. As always, we have to look at the surface and at the depth. Jesus is performing a physical miracle. But every one of his actions should also be read symbolically, so as to uncover a deeper spiritual meaning.Video reflection by Gloria Zapiain: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.
So what does Jesus do? He “put his finger in the man’s ears and, spitting, touched his tongue.” Jesus establishes, as it were, an electrical current, running from God the Father, through him, to this man. He—almost literally—plugs him into the divine current, compelling him to hear the Word. He says “Ephphatha,” be opened. When he does, his speech impediment is immediately overcome. Now he is able to speak the Word of God clearly.
So this deaf man stands for all of us who do not hear the word of God, who have grown oblivious to it. And what is the result of this deafness? A speech impediment. At the spiritual level, if you don’t hear the Word of God clearly, then your capacity to speak it is also severely compromised.
Saint Quote o' the Day
"In dangers, in doubts, in difficulties, think of Mary, call upon Mary. Let not her name depart from your lips, never suffer it to leave your heart. And that you may obtain the assistance of her prayer, neglect not to walk in her footsteps. With her for guide, you shall never go astray; while invoking her, you shall never lose heart; so long as she is in your mind, you are safe from deception; while she holds your hand, you cannot fall; under her protection you have nothing to fear; if she walks before you, you shall not grow weary; if she shows you favor, you shall reach the goal."
—St. Bernard of Clairvaux, Doctor of the Church (1090-1153, feast day: 20 August)
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