The healing of the deaf and mute person becomes a metaphor for a deeper and more difficult healing, the changing (if not the character, then at least the attitudes) of those touched by the Healer. And all have been touched. This sermon suggests that being deaf (being closed) happens in more than one way.

Biblical and contemporary examples flavor the meaning of the biblical "Be opened," and the contemporary "Be open."

The fluidity of response to the crucified and Risen Christ breaks barriers, which, if unbreached, would be a denial, or at least a blunting, of what God intends through us, no less than through the Christ. Being deaf, in the sermon’s way, is really to miss something - if not almost everything - in life.

Is there a word or command that represents the heart of the gospel? One t…