NARRATOR 1: Jesus returned from the region of Tyre and went by way of Sidon towards the Sea of Galilee in the region of the Decapolis. Some people brought to him a man who was deaf and who had an impediment in his speech.
NARRATOR 2: They begged Jesus to lay his hand on him. Jesus took him aside in private away from the crowd and put his fingers into his ears. He spat and touched his tongue. Then looking up to heaven, Jesus sighed and said —
JESUS: Ephphatha.
NARRATOR 1: This word means “Be opened.” Immediately the man’s ears were opened, his tongue was released, and he spoke plainly.
NARRATOR 2: Jesus ordered them to tell no one; but the more he ordered them, the more zealously they proclaimed it. They were astounded beyond measure.
PEOPLE: He has done everything well; he even makes the deaf to hear and the mute to speak.
Mark 7.31-37
Sunday Readings: Isaiah 35.4-7; James 2.1-5; Mark 7.31-37