Friday of Week 5 in Ordinary Time
1 Kgs 11:29-32,12:19
Mk 7:31-37
I am the Lord your God: listen to my warning.
Today, what stands out most for me is the Responsorial Psalm:
“I am the Lord your God, listen to my warning.” and “Let there be no foreign god among you.”
They sit heavily and tenderly on my heart. God is reminding me — almost pleading — that listening to Him is what keeps me aligned, protected, and at peace. And as I read today’s passages, I notice how beautifully this call to listen ties in with the theme of Unity vs. Division and God’s desire to restore relationship.
In the First Reading, Solomon stopped listening to God. Bit by bit, he allowed other influences and desires to take over. And because of that, the kingdom literally tore apart. The division didn’t come from God. It came from a heart that drifted.
Then in the Gospel, I see the opposite: Jesus healing a man whose ears and tongue were closed. Jesus opens what was shut, restores what was disconnected, and brings relationship back into this man’s life. The difference? This man was willing — open — receptive.
These readings really speak into my own experience. Over the years — and especially in this last decade — I have stepped away from certain relationships in my family that have hurt me. Relationships marked by greed, selfishness, emotional manipulation. At this age and season of life, I no longer feel the need to live according to other people’s expectations. I want peace. I want health. I want to stop hurting.
Recently, I heard about a situation where someone in the family lost his home because of irresponsible decisions and a lavish lifestyle funded by others. I didn’t feel sympathy for him — because truly, he brought this upon himself — though my heart broke for the innocent ones, especially the children. After hearing the news, I couldn’t help but wonder:
Am I being un-Christian? Is my lack of sympathy wrong? Am I failing to be compassionate?
But as I sat with today’s Psalm, I heard God’s voice again:
“I am the Lord your God, listen to My warning.”
Listen — not to guilt.
Listen — not to pressure.
Listen — not to old patterns that hurt me.
Listen — to God’s truth, God’s wisdom, God’s peace.
The truth is: Scripture teaches boundaries too. Solomon’s downfall came from ignoring God’s voice. The man in the Gospel received healing because he allowed Jesus to open what was closed.
There is a message here for me:
I can care without being drawn back into unhealthy dynamics.
I can pray for the innocent without rescuing those who made harmful choices.
I can hold compassion without enabling destruction.
I can forgive in my heart, while keeping distance where distance is needed.
Unity does not always mean closeness. Sometimes, unity looks like inner alignment with God — not outer involvement with people who repeatedly wound me.
And I think Jesus’ word today, “Ephphatha — Be opened!”, is also a word for my heart:
Be opened to peace. Be opened to clarity.
Be opened to healthy boundaries.
Be opened to My wisdom, not human expectations.
This, too, is listening to God.
This, too, is choosing unity — the kind that begins inside my own spirit, protected and held by Him.
(Today’s OXYGEN by Geraldine Nah)
Prayer: Father God, open the ears of my heart and the eyes of my mind. Help me to truly listen — not just to hear, but to understand what You are teaching me and asking of me. Grant me the wisdom to discern what comes from You and what comes from my own selfish or sinful inclinations. Guide me to respond with clarity, peace, and obedience, trusting in Your love and guidance in every decision and relationship. Amen.
Thanksgiving: Thank You, Father, for Your unfailing love and the peace You place in my heart. Even when hurt or division fills my mind, You remain steadfast, guiding me back to You. Thank You for teaching me healthy boundaries, helping me to love wisely, and gently nudging me toward wholeness. May I carry Your peace into every relationship and decision, trusting in Your constant guidance and care. Amen.
Images from: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/16255248624765404/
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