Friday, February 11th in Ordinary Time

And people brought to Him a deaf man who had a speech impediment and begged Him to lay His hand on him

February is a busy month. My wife’s birthday, Valentines Day, our aniversary, the birth of our youngest son and oldest son who recently died. The good things in life are mixed with the bad. However, we know that we give Him thanks in all things. God is in charge.

Let’s talk about the good. The best man at my wedding was an amazing man named, Ron. He was not handsome and was older than me. He had been one of my prayer partners for over 10 years at the time. He was in his 60’s and had never been a best man at a wedding. He had cerebral palsy and mostly used an electric wheelchair to get around. He had a huge speech impediment but that would not stop him from telling funny, funny old jokes. He would come up with a belly laugh himself before the punch line and even though we had heard his joke a thousand times. It was his delivery that made us all laugh. I will spare you some examples. Nonetheless, he was an intelligent prayerful man. He had graduated college in the 1950″s before citizens with disabilities in History and Writing and worked for years as an editor of a small industrial magazine. He was very active in his Lutheran Church.

Ron told the story of as a young man he went to some Pentecostal Church and the people at this church laid hands on him and prayed to cure him of his deformities . When it didn’t work they suggested that it was partly because of ” his” lack of faith. The truth is that Ron did not lack faith. He was perfect just as he was. He had no teeth and I would sometimes had to feed him at gatherings. This was not a pleasant experience for me but he was a friend. Ron knew that it wasn’t his lack of faith but the fact that others didn’t see the perfection in him. God saw the perfection that others did not.

And immediately the man’s ears were opened, his speech impediment was removed, and he spoke plainly. He ordered them not to tell anyone. But the more He ordered them not to, the more they proclaimed it.They were exceedingly astonished and they said He has done all things well. He makes the deaf hear and the mute speak.

What struck me about this passage was not the fact of the miracle but the people’s reation to it. They did all this dispite the fact that Jesus had said not to proclaim it. How many times in my life have I not done what Jesus commanded of me? Still being human we cannot stop proclaiming the glory of God in our lives. It is natural and perfect. God was showing us that we are the miracle in our live and the lives of others.

When we look at ourselves and others, stop looking at the imperfections. Think about how perfect they are in God’s eyes. However, don’t forget yourself and see how perfect you are in God’s eyes. If we are made in His image, then the miracle is us.

So today may we all praise God for the perfection He has given us and others.

God Love You Always

Bob Burford

PS: Please pray for victims and caregivers of Cancer patients. They are perfect.

About the Author

My name is Bob Burford and am married to my lovely bride, Anna. I am a cradle Catholic and worship at Church of Saint Mary's in Tulsa, Oklahoma. I am active in the Knights of Columbus and praying where the Lord wants both of us to serve in our new faith home. College degrees in Economics and Accounting. My wife and I have eight grandchildren and six great grandchildren. Love Pope Frances and proclaiming the Word of the Lord in my life! Please pray for all the Ukrainian people. Pray for their salvation and physical and emotional health.

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16 Comments

  1. Thank you for your thoughtful reflection, Bob. My condolences to you and your family on the loss of your son.

  2. Thank you for the reflection.
    Yes, we are perfectly made in His image and need to always appreciate and remember that.
    Happy celebrations during the month of February and sweet memories of your son.

  3. Thank you Bob. Let the joy of God’s perfect Love shower you and your family during a month of happy and sad memories. We are blessed to have you contribute to the Catholic Moment sharing your faith and opening our ears to the teachings of our Lord and Savior. Peace my brother.

  4. Bob, umm so sorry for the passing of your son. Your family well continue to be in my prayers.
    I loved your story about Ron and his perfection in Being who he was. Lord help me to believe.

  5. Thank you Bob. I am sorry to hear about the loss of your son. Thank you for that beautiful reflection on your friend with a disability. I heard once that it is they who make us without disabilities, more human, so they are a gift from God above. May God bless you.

  6. Bob, the story of your best man Ron, shows your love and compassion, all of your writings do. Thank you for always being here for us on a weekly basis, you inspire, help and comfort – you have a gift which you share with many. I am so very sorry for the loss of your son, yet here you are continuing to reach out to others. Peace and blessings to you and your family. 🙏🙏🙏

  7. Bob I was unaware that your son had passed away. Sincere condolences.
    Thanks as always for your regular Friday reflections.
    Thanks as always also to all who pray for those of us with cancer and please continue praying for us.

  8. Loved reading your reflection. Your words are very intimate, I felt like we we’re sitting together having a conversation over coffee. God bless you and thank you for bringing joy to your followers with your gift of writing. ❣️

  9. Bob,
    I’m so sorry to hear of the loss of your son. Thank you for your time in writing these reflections for us.

  10. Your humility and faith shine forth from your reflection Bob.Thank you for sharing the story of your disabled friend and the impact he had on your life.
    Condolences to you and your family on the death of your son.Prayers for all those suffering from cancer including Anna and Bill.

  11. God Bless You and your family Bob. Condolences and prayers. So sorry to hear about the loss of your son.

  12. Bob,

    Many thanks for sharing the joys and sorrows of your life with us. Your reflections touch us in such a personal way, as friends on this journey together! Prayers for you and your family, as well as all who are here!

  13. Bob, thank you for sharing part of your life – the good and the sorrowful.
    Deepest condolences for your son, God rest his soul.

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