It’s difficult not to make distinctions. Invariably, we favour some people over others. For example: we choose our friends, we choose a person to be our husband or wife, we choose ‘sides’ in disputes, we choose to avoid some people, and we choose to forgive some people and condemn others.

In the second reading, St James calls on believers never to make distinctions or show favour on the basis of social class, wealth, position, status or power. Everyone is to be treated equally regardless of their social background, and when it comes to worship, there are to be no seats of honour set aside for VIPs!  Everyone ought to feel equally welcome and valued.

St Paul has a similar vision. In his letter to the Galatians (3:28) he declares that in virtue of baptism, “there is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female, for all of you are one in Christ Jesus.”

Jesus doesn’t make distinctions based on social class. In fact, the gospels portray him as having particular concern for the poor, the outcast, the voiceless, the afflicted, the vulnerable and the weak. Today’s gospel is a classic example. A deaf man with a speech impediment is brought to Jesus by his friends.

In such an oral and aural culture where people were generally illiterate, not to be able to speak or hear properly was a significant disadvantage. Such people were virtually invisible. They couldn’t communicate, and they couldn’t be communicated with, in any meaningful way. Thankfully, the man in the story is blessed to have caring friends who bring him to Jesus who has a reputation for giving new life.  

Jesus gives very personal attention to the man. He takes him away from the crowd, so that they can be alone. Although the man can’t hear or speak, he can experience the sense of touch, and so Jesus touches his ears, puts his fingers into them, and touches the man’s tongue with his own spittle. Jesus also looks up to heaven, in prayer, for it was Jesus’ relationship with God that will bring new life to the man.

It’s important to remember that the man was not a Jew. The Decapolis (“ten cities) was predominantly Gentile territory. But, there’s no distinction here. Jesus is the Messiah for all nations. He saw a brother in need, and in solidarity, lovingly reached out to him. 

St James challenges us to ‘look around’ our faith community. Do we see any unhealthy favouritism? Are there people being forgotten, ignored or made to feel unwelcome? Are there voices not being heard? Are there people being discouraged from sharing their gifts and talents, or from becoming involved? Are people’s contributions being devalued?

Hopefully, such things are not happening; however, it’s important for us all to ‘keep our eyes and ears open’.

David J Hore CSsR

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