We hear God say to us who have fearful hearts, “Be strong, do not fear! Here is your God, he comes with vindication; With divine recompense he comes to save you. Then the eyes of the blind shall see, and the ears of the deaf be opened; Then the lame shall leap like a stag, and the mute tongue sing for joy. For waters will burst forth in the wilderness, and streams in the Arabah (Isaiah 35:4-6). Then in Mark 7 where Jesus healed the deaf mute, He cries out, “Ephphatha!” That is, “Be opened!”
What we see in these verses is that
- God transforms: the blind see, the deaf hear
- God provides: streams burst forth in the desert
- God commands us – be open, Ephphatha!
So, Be open to the Word of God and the prompting of the Holy Spirit. Be open to trusting Him to provide. Be open to courageous generosity, showing no partiality (Js 2:1). Open to the poor person who begs you. Open to caring for your neighbors and their needs. Open to protecting the unborn and helping young women choose life. Open to sharing your time, talent, and treasure.
When I opened up to trusting God and the Holy Spirit, I got a sense of peace I can’t quite explain. When I stepped out in faith and started giving intentionally, I got a release from stress and worry. I hear this from others, too, who give sacrificially. I want you to have this peace. I want you to be free of anxiety. So, Be Open. Trust God, and give to serve the poor. And in that, get the peace beyond understanding, the peace that only comes from God.
Photo Credit: Robert Davis
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