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 What comes to your mind when you think of spit? Probably not too much, or at least not too much that is good! Spit, or saliva--if we are going to elevate this conversation, is one of those necessary aspects of human existence, but it is not something that we really spend much time talking about, or even thinking about. Nonetheless, it is there. When it is present where we need it, it is a good thing. Nobody wants to walk around with a dry mouth. When it gets into the wrong place, however, it can be quite a nuisance. When I was a kid I remember using expressions such as "Say it, don't spray it!" with certain people who couldn't keep their spittle to themselves! Working with teenagers--especially young fellows--correcting the urge to shower down the asphalt, pavement, or any other surface they happen to walk over is an ongoing chore!
 Now you might think it odd that we are ruminating about spittle. To be honest, it is a bit odd. There is a point, though. As mundane as spit is, as unpleasant a topic it might be for some, as unrefined a subject matter for sophisticated readers, there have been times when spit has been more than spit!!! (By the way, get a Bible now so you can follow along!)
Think about that for a second. Now the biblical scholars out there already know where I am going with this. There are three instances in the Gospels where Jesus, in the performance of one of his miracles--or signs as St. John describes them--uses spit as a primary instrument of healing. In Chapter seven of St. Mark's Gospel, verses 32-34, Jesus touched spit to the tongue of a deaf mute and gave him the power of speech. In Mark 8:22-24, Jesus spit on a man's eyes and touched them, for a partial restoration of sight; then he touched the man's eyes again for a complete healing of his blindness. Finally in John 9:5-7, Jesus makes a paste using his own saliva and mud, places it on the eyes of a man born blind, and sends the blind man to wash in the Pool of Siloam. When the man does this, he is able to see.
I find this all quite amazing for several reasons. It amazes me that of all the things Jesus could use to heal someone, he chooses spit! We have already discussed the rather humble nature of this substance. I doubt that spit would be the first choice of most people in our culture when looking for a healing agent. I am also amazed that Jesus even uses a healing agent at all. Remember, this is the same Jesus who rebuked demons with a word. This is the same Jesus who calmed a raging storm with the words, "Peace! Be still." This is the same Jesus whose word healed a centurian's son even though Jesus was no where near the boy. This is the same Jesus described by St. John in this way, "Ïn the beginning was the WORD, and the WORD was with God, and the WORD was God...."
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