John Koza

Dear Friends in Christ, 

“Be Opened,” is the translation of Jesus speaking the word “Ephphatha” to the deaf man with the speech impediment in today’s gospel of Mark (7:34). In finishing my morning prayers I always end with, “Open my eyes that I may see; Open my ears that I may hear; Open my mind that I may know and understand some things; and Open my heart that I may be empathetic and loving.”  And I pray those words sincerely.

One of the ways the Holy Spirit “opens” my mind is by reading. Usually it’s the reading of scripture, but it doesn’t have to be, in fact sometimes I’m surprised to be “opened” by reading non-scripture. I am also always surprised to have my thinking “opened” by scripture that I may have read many times in the past, but suddenly see it anew. Just this week I read in Psalm 119, “Turn my eyes from watching what is worthless; give me life in your ways” (vs. 37). Gosh, do you think there are more than a few things to watch in today’s world that are worthless? It has definitely given me something to ponder.  

We also learn today that we are “heirs through God” in Galatians 4:1-11. I don’t know about you, but most days I go through my routine not really thinking that I am an heir to God’s kingdom. But we are! And how marvelous is that? Again, I think the realization of these powerful truths is only found by spending some time reading scripture. In doing so, we may be “opened” by the Holy Spirit.  

Thank you God, for the gift of your Holy Spirit that we may be “opened,” to you by our eyes, our ears, our minds and our hearts.  Amen.

In Christ, 

—John