Gospel: February 13, 2026
February 13, 2026 (Friday)
5th Week in Ordinary Time
Psalter: Week 1 (Green)
Ps 81:10-11ab, 12-13, 14-15
I am the Lord, your God: hear my voice.
1st Reading: 1 Kings 11:29-32; 12:19
Once, when Jeroboam went out of Jerusalem, the prophet Ahijah of Shiloh found him on the road. The two of them were alone in the open country when Ahijah, who had a new garment on, clutched and tore it into 12 pieces. He then said to Jeroboam, “Take 10 pieces for yourself for this is the word of the Lord, the God of Israel: ‘I am about to tear the kingdom from Solomon’s hands to give you ten tribes. Only one tribe shall be left to him for the sake of my servant David and Jerusalem, the city which I have chosen out of all the tribes of Israel.
So Israel has been in rebellion against the house of David to the present time.
Gospel: Mark 7:31-37
Again, Jesus set out: from the country of Tyre he passed through Sidon and, skirting the sea of Galilee, he came to the territory of Decapolis. There, a deaf man, who also had difficulty in speaking, was brought to him. They asked Jesus to lay his hand upon him.
Jesus took him apart from the crowd, put his fingers into the man’s ears, and touched his tongue with spittle. Then, looking up to heaven, he said with a deep sigh, “Ephphatha!” that is, “Be opened!”
And immediately, his ears were opened, his tongue was loosened, and he began to speak clearly. Jesus ordered them not to tell anyone about it; but the more he insisted, the more they proclaimed it. The people were completely astonished and said, “He has done all things well; he makes the deaf hear and the dumb speak.”
Reflection:
Open our hearts to the Lord.
Jesus heals a deaf-mute, saying, “Ephphatha,” which means “Be opened.” This serves as another sign that the Reign of God has truly come. This miracle of Jesus represents more than just physical healing; it calls for spiritual openness.
We may not admit it, but many of us struggle with spiritual deafness. We fail to hear God’s voice amid life’s noise, or we may resist His call due to fear, doubt, or the charm of comfort. Like the deaf man, we need the Lord to open our hearts, minds, and souls to His truth.
Jesus calls us to “be opened” to His Word, His grace, and the call of His mission. He invites us to listen intently and speak boldly of His love. When we truly open ourselves to God, our lives testify to His power.
Let us allow the Lord to heal our deafness, open our hearts to His call, and proclaim His goodness through our words and deeds.
Lord, help us to be open!
