HE DOES ALL THINGS WELL

Homily for the Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B

Fr. Ugochukwu Ugwoke, ISch

Scripture Texts: Isaiah 35:4-7a; James 2:1-5; Mark 7:31-37;

The period between 597 BCE and 538 BCE was a difficult time for the people of Israel. It was a period of great distress and exile. At that time, the people of Israel were subjected to the pain of Babylonian captivity; their homeland was destroyed, and their sense of identity lost. It was a time of deep sorrow, fear, and uncertainty. It was at that time that the prophet made the prophecy that we hear in today’s first reading addressed to the people of Israel.

In that passage, the prophet Isaiah spoke words of hope and consolation to the exiled people of Israel, reminding them that God was coming to save them. He promised that God will heal the brokenness of their lives - opening the eyes of the blind, unstopping the ears of the deaf, loosening the tongue of the dumb, and restoring life to the barren wilderness. Isaiah’s message was meant to lift their spirits and assure them that, despite their suffering, God would bring them back to wholeness (Isaiah 35:4-7a). He is the God who “does all things well,” and he will not abandon his people in their time of need.

The situation of the people of Israel is one that very many of us can relate with especially for those living in Nigeria at the moment. Like the Israelites in exile, many of us face situations of despair - illness, hardship, oppression, injustice, unemployment, or even spiritual dryness. Yet, Isaiah reminds us that God is always near, ready to come to our aid, and to restore us. He invites us to trust in God’s promise of healing, even when things seem impossible.

In the Gospel passage from Mark, we see the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy of restoration as Jesus healed a man who was deaf and had a speech impediment. Jesus took him away from the crowd (privacy), touched his ears and tongue (personal touch), and commanded, “Ephphatha!” which means “Be opened!” And immediately his ears were opened, his speech impediment was removed, and he spoke plainly (Mark 7:35). This moment is more than just physical healing. It signifies a spiritual opening as well. The man’s encounter with Jesus transformed him completely. He was no longer trapped in his condition, but now, through the power of Christ, he could hear and speak freely.

Jesus could have healed the deaf and mute man from a distance with his word. However, he chose otherwise. Jesus’ actions - touching the man, spitting, and looking up to heaven - demonstrate the personal and intimate nature of God’s healing. God does not heal from afar; he enters into our brokenness, touching the places where we need healing the most. Jesus’ command, “Be opened,” is a powerful symbol for all of us. How often do we find ourselves closed off - unable or unwilling to hear God’s word, speak his truth, or embrace his love? We may be spiritually deaf, closing our ears to God’s guidance, or spiritually mute, afraid to speak out for what is right. But the Gospel challenges us to let Jesus open our hearts, minds, and lives to his transforming grace. Just as he restored the man’s ability to hear and speak, he continues to restore our lives when we allow him to touch us.

This passage has a profound connection to the Sacrament of Baptism. During the rite, the priest touches the ears and mouth of the person being baptized, saying “Ephphatha,” recalling this miracle of Jesus and symbolizing the spiritual opening of the person to hear God’s word and proclaim it in the world. The same openness that Jesus brought to the deaf man is the openness that we are called to live out in our everyday Christian lives.

In the second reading, James calls out the early Christian community for showing partiality to the rich while neglecting the poor. He says: “Show no partiality as you adhere to the faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ” (James 2:1). James pointed out the contradiction of faith without justice. If we claim to follow Christ, then we must reflect Christ’s love for all people, especially the poor and marginalized. The problem of discrimination based on wealth, social status, or appearance is as old as humanity. Yet, James reminds us that, in God’s eyes, all are equal, and those who are poor in this world are often rich in faith.

This is a challenge for us today, especially in a world that often values people based on material wealth, power, or social connections. The true mark of Christian faith is how we treat the least among us - whether we welcome them with the same respect and dignity as we would the wealthy and influential. As Jesus did, we are called to “be opened” to everyone, not just those we find favorable. This openness is part of our Christian witness.

In conclusion, today’s readings remind us that God does all things well. Whether in times of exile or in moments of personal struggle, God is always at work to bring about healing and new life. We are invited to trust in His perfect plan, to open our hearts to His grace, and to allow Him to work in and through us. Just as Jesus healed the man in the Gospel, He continues to heal, restore, and make all things new in our lives. Let us trust in His goodness and proclaim, like the people in the Gospel, that truly, “He has done all things well!”