23rd Sunday of Ordinary Time Year B
Be opened!
O God, by whom we are redeemed and receive adoption,
look graciously upon your beloved sons and daughters,
that those who believe in Christ may receive true freedom and an everlasting inheritance.
Today’s readings have some of the messianic joy that Jesus brings to all people, especially the poor.
The First Reading, from the prophet Isaiah, is full of hope and joy. He looks forward to deliverance from exile; people will be healed, creation revived with gushing water.
In response, Psalm 145 (146) is a prayer of praise to the God who feeds the hungry, heals the sick, and cares for the poor and downtrodden.
St James, in the Second Reading, clearly states that God chooses the poor, and that we too must not favour the rich and powerful at their expense. We are all equal in God’s sight and must act accordingly. We are all heirs to his kingdom.
The Gospel recounts the healing of the deaf man with an impediment in his speech. His healing is not just physical; the whole person is opened to the Lord.
Let us try to spread some of the joy of Jesus around us this week. Perhaps in this way we can become more aware of any hidden prejudices we may hold in our relationships to others.
