A young man was studying to be a monk. He told the headmaster, “I’ll do anything but preach.”

The headmaster, knowing this novice had to overcome his fear, said, “You will preach in the chapel.”

The nervous novice spoke to the assembly, asking them, “Do you know what I’m going to say?”

They shook their heads, no. “Neither do I. Let’s stand for the blessing.”

The headmaster gave him another chance, no tricks. So the novice replied,“Do you know what I’m going to say?” They shook their heads, yes. “Since you already know, let’s stand ... .”

The headmaster gave him one more chance, no tricks. Taking nothing for one more chance, the novice asked, “Do you know what I’m going to say?” Some shook their heads, yes, some, no. He said, “Well, let those who know, tell those who don’t. Let’s stand ... .”

Are you ever afraid to speak about spiritual matters, about your faith, to another person? Have you ever tried?

In the Gospel (Lk 18:8) we are presented with a man who could not hear, and who could hardly talk. He is brought, by his friends, to Jesus. Apparently, the man was once able to speak but lost the ability to speak properly because of deafness. No word could get into him because he was deaf. No word could get out of him because he was mute.

He had people who cared about him, people who brought him to Jesus and begged to Jesus to lay his hand on him. They didn’t ask for healing but that Jesus simply touch him, that is, bless him. They knew Jesus was holy and that their friend would be blessed just by being in Jesus’ presence.

Perhaps there is someone you know who needs to come to Jesus. Will you bring that person? Are you open to being brought yourself?

We can make ourselves “deaf” in the soul to what Jesus is asking. Jesus chose to use one word, a powerful word, a healing word, a dramatic and emphatic word, Eph-pha-thah, be opened! This is about spiritual hearing, the heart. Sometimes what you hear does not get into your heart; there are no changed attitudes and actions.

The man in the Gospel needed help to be healed. Who needs your help to get to Jesus? Who are you letting help you get to Jesus? Is there a deafness in your heart that you know gets in the way of following Jesus?

“The teaching of Christ surpasses all the teachings of the saints; and whosoever had the spirit would find therein the hidden manna. But it happens that many, by the frequent hearing of the Gospel, feel little care for it, because they have not the spirit of Christ. He, however who would understand in their full savor the words of Christ, must study to make his whole life conformable to him.” (Thomas à Kempis, Of the Imitation of Christ)

The “Year of Faith” begins on Oct. 11, the 50th anniversary of the beginning of Vatican Council II and the 20th anniversary of the publishing of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. The holy year will conclude on Nov. 24, 2013, the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ Universal King.

Pope Benedict XVI has, from the beginning of his pontificate, focused on the theme closest to his heart: the encounter with Jesus Christ and the beauty of having faith in him. “If faith does not take on new life, deep conviction and real strength from the encounter with Jesus Christ, then all other reforms will remain ineffective.” (Pope Benedict XVI, Christmas Address to the Roman Curia, Dec. 22, 2011.)

This is about your faith in Christ.