8 September 2024 - Only By Grace Reflections

#OnlyByGraceReflections #CFC #CouplesforChrist

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TOPIC: LORD JESUS, IS THERE ANYTHING IN MY LIFE THAT NEEDS HEALING?

First Reading: Isaiah 35: 4-7a
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 146: 7, 8-9, 9-10
Second Reading: James 2: 1-5
Alleluia: Matthew 4: 23
Gospel: Mark 7: 31-37

Today's gospel invites us to trust that Jesus can bring healing into our lives. We see Jesus healing a man who was deaf and had difficulty speaking. The man's friends bring him to Jesus, seeking help. Jesus takes him aside, touches his ears and tongue, and says, "Ephphatha!" meaning "Be opened."

Immediately, the man can hear and speak clearly. Although Jesus tells the people not to share what happened, they can't contain their amazement and spread the news. Just as the mother of 21-yèar-old Valeria Valverde from Costa Rica prayed in faith at Blessed Carlo Acutis' tomb, leading to her daughter's miraculous recovery, may we also accept Jesus' invitation to have faith that He heals.

This is the 1595th installment of our CFC contemplation series focusing on the daily liturgical readings.

[NOTE: Let us listen to our brother Israel Silud, Regional Coordinator for East Asia, as he brings us today's reflection.

All the regular reflections are between 3-7 minutes long, enough time for us to ponder what God's message is for us individually and to pray that we may live them out in our lives. This video is also available on Couples for Christ’s Facebook page. In You Tube, just type ONLY BY GRACE REFLECTIONS]