Homily last week: ephpheta - to open

It is all about being better.

The gospel last week was about ephpheta - meaning to open  (ears and eyes) in Aramaic. It came from Mark 7:31- 37 on the curing of the deaf mute.  This is part of the baptism ceremonies.  The celebrator touches the lips and ears of the child and says, "May the Lord Jesus, who made  the deaf to  hear, and the dumb to speak, grant that you soon be able to receive His word and profess His faith to the praise and glory of God the Father."

What is the importance of this?

l.  That we may Listen to our neighbors, and learn as we hear and see things;

2.  That we have an open mind;

3.  "That the purpose of education is to replace an empty mind with an open one"

4.  Sunnao;

5.  That you can not pour more tea into a full cup.

6.  In learning, be like a child again learn, learn, learn.  (Some say it is LOL -learn observe learn)