He spoke plainly.

“He took him off by himself away from the crowd. He put his finger into the man’s ears and, spitting, touched his tongue; then he looked up to heaven and groaned, and said to him, ‘Ephphatha!’ (that is, ‘Be opened!’) And immediately the man’s ears were opened, his speech impediment was removed, and he spoke plainly.” (MK 7: 33-35)

This man had a “speech impediment,” but Our Lord started with “the man’s ears,” and then He “touched his tongue.” When we learn how to listen, with gentleness, respect, and always trying to understand first and second to be understood, then we can speak “plainly.”

“Open our hearts, O Lord, to listen to the words of your Son.” (Gospel Acclamation)