This is an occasion to express our concern and care for those who live lonely lives on the margins of society because of hearing and speech handicap. More so in our current situation due to the pandemic. The man resembles the whole human race. His plight is ours like those times we refuse to listen to what God is saying to us and act upon it. We all need the healing hand of Christ to make us hear and speak the message of God properly. Is it possible that we are like this man because of our refusal to give a listening ear to the lonely, the troubled, and the worried? How many times have we failed to utter a word of encouragement, of hope and thanks, or have kept a cautious silence when we should have spoken the truth? Then there are the problems we have in speaking to those dear to us or neighbours because of a long standing row or simply because of envy, jealousy or pride. What Jesus is saying is that the greatest tragedy of all is not to be born deaf and dumb but to have ears and fail to hear, and to have tongues and fail to speak. We need to be brought to Jesus for His healing touch which brings encouragement where there is despair, communication where there are silences, and companionship where there is loneliness.

Stay well and healthy.

God bless you all.

Fr. Arsenio