Don't Speak - Do

Gospel: Mark 7: 31-37

It is rather ironic that on the one hand Jesus heals a deaf mute, enabling him to speak, and on the other had he commands the man to say nothing to anyone about this miraculous event in his life.  The man ignores Jesus and we take his side, arguing that it's good evangelization and increases crowd size.  We even invent a theological theory to justify our ignoring Jesus - the Messianic secret, pretending Jesus didn't really mean what he said time and again in telling people not to broadcast these events.

But he did mean it.  It is fundamental to discipleship.  The authentic disciple is Simon's mother-in-law: she is healed by Jesus; she utters not a word but instead gets up in order to serve others.  Discipleship and evangelization are not about testimonials or talking about what Jesus did in our life.  It is about giving thanks for God's mercy in our life and going out to serve others in mercy.  The testimonials and talking are not really about Jesus; they're about us.  Extending mercy is the way of Jesus.

The new fad in church world is forming disciples.  Churches will spend millions on books, videos, guest speakers - all by alleged experts on discipleship.  Save money, bypass the pyramid scheme, and just go out and serve other people in mercy: visit the sick and imprisoned, clothe and feed the poor, provide welcome to the immigrant and refugee.  Just get up and serve others in their need.