Trinity XII
Text: Mark 7:31–37
Theme: He Hath Done All Things Well

The crowds who witnessed Jesus heal the man who was deaf and mute marveled: “He hath done all things well.” This is not simply an observation about one miracle, but a declaration of who Christ is and what He has come to do. St. Peter echoes this in Acts 10:38, saying that “Jesus went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed of the devil; for God was with Him.”

From the creation of the world, God declared His works “very good” (Gen. 1:31). But through sin, mankind fell into corruption. Yet in Christ, the new creation has begun. As St. Paul says, “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation: old things have passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Cor. 5:17). Jesus restores what was broken, and He still does all things well.

St. Mark records the healing of this deaf and mute man in striking detail. Jesus puts His fingers into the man’s ears, touches his tongue, and sighs heavenward before speaking the word: “Ephphatha — be opened.” This was no impersonal act. It was intimate, tender, and deliberate.

Isaiah foresaw this moment: “Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; then shall the lame man leap like a deer, and the tongue of the mute sing for joy” (Isa. 35:5–6). Jesus fulfills that promise. His miracles declare Him to be the long-awaited Messiah.

But notice this: while His miracles point to the truth of who He is, they are not the foundation of faith. The people who saw His signs did not always believe (John 2:23–25). Faith comes not by miracles, but by hearing the Word of God (Rom. 10:17). Even today, we may pray for healing and not always receive it. Yet Christ never ceases to do good: for in every cross borne, He gives grace sufficient (2 Cor. 12:9).

Curiously, Jesus charges the witnesses of this miracle to tell no one. Why? Because the people were beginning to see Him merely as a wonder-worker, a kind of earthly provider or entertainer. After the feeding of the five thousand, they tried to make Him king by force (John 6:15). But Jesus had not come to satisfy worldly desires, nor to fulfill shallow expectations.

Even now in 2025, we live in an age filled with false messiahs: celebrities, politicians, influencers, and even spiritual leaders who promise prosperity, self-fulfillment, or quick fixes. But Christ warns us: “Take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many” (Matt. 24:4–5).

Jesus does well to us, then, even when He withholds certain blessings. Like St. Paul, who prayed three times for his thorn to be removed and yet was told, “My grace is sufficient for thee” (2 Cor. 12:9), we learn that God’s goodness is not measured by earthly ease, but by His eternal mercy.

Above all, Jesus came not only to heal bodies, but to heal souls. His miracles were signs pointing to His greatest work: the forgiveness of sins.

Isaiah prophesied that the Messiah would not only open ears and loosen tongues, but also “bear our griefs and carry our sorrows… He was wounded for our transgressions” (Isa. 53:4–5).

And the apostles testify to this fulfillment: St. Peter declares in Acts 10:43, “To Him give all the prophets witness, that through His name whosoever believeth in Him shall receive remission of sins.” This is the heart of the Gospel. Whenever Christ forgives, He commands us to tell the good news. No prohibition but rather a mandate for forgiveness to be proclaimed to all nations.

Christ may not heal every disease in this life. He may not resolve every trial or silence every sorrow at once. But He always does all things well. He gives us grace to endure, peace to sustain, and most of all forgiveness and eternal life.

So let us join our voices with those who marveled long ago and with the Church across all ages: “He hath done all things well.”

Amen.

-- Fr. Chris Fish

To do good, and to distribute, forget not; for with such sacrifices God is well pleased
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Services & Events
 
Sunday Services, 7:45 AM, 9:00 AM, & 11:15 AM (for online participation for the services go to: https://www.facebook.com/saintsofscotland)  

Nursery, 9:00 & 11:15 AM services (lower level)

Sunday School, this Sunday, 10:30 AM

September 12-13, DMAS Men's Retreat at Camp Hanover, 3163 Parsleys Mill Road, Mechanicsville, VA.  The cost of the retreat is $85 and covers accommodations and three meals (dinner, breakfast and lunch). For more info copy this link into your browser: https://dmas-acc.org/upcoming 

Saturday September 20, 8:30 AM,  Men's Group,  church under croft, great breakfast by Chef extraordinaire Claude  Crump, fellowship, and Bible study with Fr. Roddy.

Sunday September 21, Church Picnic at Fort Hunt Park after combined 10 AM service, (no 9 AM & 11:15 AM services) invite friends and neighbors too:  Great BBQ, hamburgers, hot dogs, sausages and so much more. A sign-up sheet for appetizers/side dishes and desserts is posted on the bulletin board in the undercroft. 

Monday September 29, 7:30 PM, Vestry meeting, church undercroft, all parishioners welcome


NEWLY UPDATED NEEDS FOR MaRiH CRISIS PREGNANCY CENTER

 MaRiH Center has made some changes and additions in its critically needed items. The Center provides help to mothers-to-be and mothers in need.  Please provide some of the items that are needed..They are very greatly appreciated. (You can leave the donations where the food for the food bank is collected on the pew in the undercorft.)

Especially Needed
In Bold and with an asterisk are a critical need. Please note changes in diaper needs and additional items.

*Diapers ( newborn, 1, 2, *3, *4, *5, & *6)
*Lovies, Rattles, Teethers
*Baby wipes
Diaper rash ointment
Baby shampoo
*Baby blankets
Baby bottles
Bibs: infant, *toddler
*Formula: *Simulac Advance Formula
Formula: other but not recalled
Diaper rash ointment
Wash clothes
Hooded Towels
Spring/summer clothing: 0-3 mo, 3-6 mo, 9-12mo, 18-24 mo, 2T
Fall/winter clothing: 6-9 mo, 9-12 mo, 12-18 mo, 18-24 mo
Winter coats: all sizes up to and including 2T
*Grocery gift cards
Baby Food (make sure not expired)
Shoes: toddler

Food Bank Needs

The food bank appreciates the generosity of our parish.Please help this month with a food donation if you are able. Those we help feed are very thankful for the food we provide to them each month. Please also buy low sugar cereals (and not the kid's types that have lots of sugar). 

Current needs include the following:
canned meats (chicken, corned beef, spam)
peanut butter
jelly
tuna
canned vegetables (corn, green beans - (regular and low sodium)
individual fruit cups (low sugar)
canned fruit (low sugar)
canola or vegetable oil (48 oz)
boxed cereal (low sugar) and instant or old fashioned oatmeal (18 oz or 42 oz)
pasta (regular and gluten-free):
instant potatoes
single serving fruit juice
macaroni & cheese
soups: Chunky or Progresso,noodle soup; chicken broth, cream of mushroom
coffee, cooking oil, flour, sugar
 
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