All Things Well!

Friday, February 13, 2026

1 Kgs 11:29-32; 12-19; Mk 7: 31-37

Today’s Gospel highlights Jesus’ intimate compassion for the deaf man whom he heals.

The place where the miracle takes place is important for our consideration. The area is the Decapolis, a thickly Greek region, literally translated as ‘Ten Cities.’ The scholars explain that the Decapolis was a federation of ten pagan cities within the area of Israel, and everything about these cities was Greek. 

Hence, when we read that Jesus heals a man from this region, the text reveals much. 

1. Jesus was in a Gentile region, willingly crossing boundaries to bring healing to all. The text provides yet another confirmation of Jesus’ inclusive missionary approach. 

2. Jesus takes the man aside to make the healing very private. The gesture underlines the profound care and respect that Jesus had towards the deaf man. 

3. Jesus’ actions before healing, putting his fingers into the man’s ears, spitting, touching his tongue, looking up to heaven, and groaning, etc., only point to his intimate compassion for the deaf man. 

4. The deaf man had friends who cared for him. It is they who brought him to Jesus and begged him to lay his hands on him. Jesus obliges the request of those who care for others.  

5. Jesus was known as a healer. Hence, the moment Jesus arrived at Decapolis, people brought a deaf man to him to be healed. This shows people’s awareness that Jesus touched people with health.

Let us pray that we may always turn to Jesus to be touched with health and wellness. 

Fr. Dhinakaran Savariyar