First Reading - 1 Kings 11:29-32,12:19

Gospel - Mark 7:31-37


There are moments when life seems marked by division, misunderstanding, and brokenness. Relationships fracture, communication fails, and people feel unheard or unable to express what is within them. Today’s readings speak into that experience and reveal God’s desire not only to heal individuals, but also to restore what has been divided.

In the First Reading, the kingdom of Israel is torn apart. The prophet Ahijah’s symbolic action makes clear that this division is not merely political but spiritual. The unity that once existed under David and Solomon is broken because hearts had turned away from God. What follows is not sudden chaos but the visible consequence of choices made over time. Division begins long before it appears outwardly. When faithfulness weakens, unity becomes fragile.

This passage reminds us that disunity often has deeper roots than disagreement alone. When trust in God fades, relationships and communities begin to fracture. The loss of unity is always painful because it reflects a deeper loss of shared purpose and faithfulness.

In the Gospel, we encounter a very different scene. People bring to Jesus a man who is deaf and has a speech impediment. Unable to hear clearly, he struggles to speak clearly. Jesus takes him aside, touches him, and speaks the word of healing. Immediately, the man hears and speaks plainly. What is closed is opened; what is blocked is restored.

This miracle is more than physical healing. It is a sign of restoration. Hearing and speaking are essential for relationship. When they are healed, connection becomes possible again. Jesus restores the man not only to health but to community.

Dear friends, human unfaithfulness leads to division and silence. God’s action leads to opening, healing, and renewed communication. Where sin closes hearts, Christ opens them.

Many conflicts persist because people no longer truly listen to one another. Misunderstandings grow when hearts close and words become defensive or careless. Sometimes we are like the man in the Gospel — unable to hear what others are truly saying, or unable to express what is within us.

The invitation today is to ask for healing in how we listen and how we speak. Ask God to open ears that have grown closed through pride or hurt. Ask for words that build rather than divide. Healing often begins when we allow Christ to touch the places where communication has broken down.

When hearts are open to God, unity slowly becomes possible again. When we truly listen, relationships are restored. And when Christ opens what has been closed within us, our lives become signs of hope — places where division gives way to understanding, and silence is transformed into praise.