“Jesus ... went by way of Sidon ... into the district of the Decapolis.” For most of Jesus’ ministry, he remains in Galilee and areas with a predominantly Jewish population. Today, however, we see Jesus traveling through a heavily pagan area. This makes the utterance of faith in today’s Gospel all the more astounding. “He has done all things well.”
 
In this story, a deaf man is brought to Jesus. This man is not without community! Despite communication difficulties due to a speech impediment, his people bring him before Jesus. Jesus lays hands upon the man and commands his broken body to change. “‘Be opened!’ Immediately the man’s ears were opened, his speech impediment was removed, and he spoke plainly.” The community is stunned. They can’t stop telling the story. The more Jesus asks them to settle down, the more they proclaim! The Jewish people expected a Messiah but a Messiah with very particular qualifications. The Greeks and pagans anticipated no such savior. There were no expectations to meet. They had a special capacity to be completely, utterly surprised.
 
As Catholics, it can be easy to become accustomed to the songs and the prayers, to the routine of religious education drop-offs and Sunday Mass attendance. By now, we may have very particular expectations. When was the last time you allowed yourself to be surprised by God? Sometimes we are all like the deaf man in today’s Gospel. God wants to speak to us, but we can’t hear clearly. In your prayer this week, go before God honestly. Give yourself permission to drop your expectations and assumptions. Ask Him to renew your faith to show you how, in your life, “He has done all things well.”