In today’s Gospel reading Jesus heals a deaf and mute man.  But as all things with God’s word, what happened once to this one man, is a life lesson for all people and all times. The clue to discover this, is in one magical word Ephphatha (say it). Its Aramaic, the language Jesus spoke, it means ‘Be Opened.’ That would be a funny thing to say if Jesus was just curing this mans technical hearing problem, but he wasn’t, Jesus wants to also cure our listening problem, one we all share. Does anyone here have problems listening, say to your husband or wife?  Any kids her?  Have you parents ever told you to open your ears?  Yes my parents told me that and I’ve told my kids, after saying the same thing 100 times, but the message not getting through. A few people are hard of hearing, but everyone is hard of hearing when it comes listening to what others want, changing our mind, learning from mistakes and this can land us in trouble. Children should listen to their parents for their own good, and since all of us age 8 to 80 are children of God, we should listen to God for our own good. That’s why Jesus says be opened, don’t let yourself be closed up in pride, stubbornness, anger, fear and shame, instead Ephphata! be opened to the powerful words of those who love you, down here and above.