The healing of the deaf mute (St. Mark 7:31-27, the Gospel for Trinity XII) shows us how intimately Christ has compassion on his people. Not only is it for our sake that he deals with us incarnationally, Sacramentally (that is, he touches the deaf mute, and he touches us in the Sacrament); it is also for his own sake. He wants to be this close to us. So do not despise his desire for you: attend to your baptismal prayers and the Holy Supper frequently. Sermon for Trinity XII