Trinity 12
Isaiah 29:17-24 | 2 Corinthians 3:4-11 | Mark 7:31-37

When our Lord healed the deaf mute (Gospel for Trinity 12, Mark 7:31-37), He spoke an Aramaic word recorded in the Greek New Testament: Ephphatha! ("Be opened!"). That word is still used in the church's liturgy of Baptism, showing us that by the gift of the Holy Spirit, our ears are opened to hear the Word of God, and our lips are opened to hymn His praise and speak words of charity to our neighbors.