The Gospels do not use the Greek word 'thauma' [miracle] to describe what Jesus does - what does appear is the word 'semeion,' or sign. So what Jesus is doing in today's Gospel (Mk. 7:31-37)is more than healing a deaf and mute man; this surely happened, but this is the outer appearance meant to teach us an inner spiritual reality. To hear this miracle aright requires that we have the ears of our spirit opened, and grasp the spiritual significance... Let us ask, "O Lord, open my lips - and my ears!" And may we learn anew how to hear His voice calling to us each day.