The Collect for the Twelfth Sunday after Trinity emphasizes that God is the center of prayer. In other words, prayer is not primarily about us or others. It is an acknowledgement of God and His holy and gracious nature. We are inconsistent and weak in prayer as in other areas. So our focus must be on God. Although we are weak and sinful creatures, He is always ready to hear, forgive, extend His mercy, and give good gifts through Jesus Christ.
The Gospel from St. Mark 7:31-37 echoes the collect's emphasis on divine mercy and grace. It is the account of the healing of a deaf-mute. This miracle takes place in the Decapolis, a region east of the Jordan. In the first century, the region had both Jewish and pagan Greek-speaking inhabitants. This circumstance points to the significance of Christ's ministry for all people. The healing of deaf-mute of unspecified national origin also points to the fulfillment of Messianic prophecies (Isaiah 35:5 and Ezekiel 24:27). So this Gospel passage highlights the divine mercy and grace available to all people through Jesus Christ.
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