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The Church tells so many stories of Jesus healing people that illness, disability, and healing all have become enduring metaphors for the life of faith. But for people living with disabilities, they\u2019re not just metaphors, and they themselves aren\u2019t objects for pity, aide, or inspiration. So let\u2019s reconsider Jesus\u2019 interaction with this \u201cdeaf man who had an impediment in his speech\u201d from Mark 7:31-37, and the Church\u2019s. The way we tell stories matters. The way we listen matters even more.

We are indebted to author and disability activist Rebekah Anderson for her reflection on the body of God. This episode also includes a version of the classic hymn, "Just As I Am Without One Plea," with new words written by Rev. John Gage, "Just As I Am With This My Plea."

The Congregational Church of Needham strives to be a radically inclusive, justice-seeking, peace- making, love-affirming congregation of the United Church of Christ in Needham, MA. Find us on the web at www.NeedhamUCC.org and join us for hybrid worship LIVE! in-person and via Zoom, Sundays @ 10am EDT.