Who's included in the "people of God?"  Is Jesus' encounter with the Canaanite woman an encounter meant to widen his understanding as the human Jesus or is it another missed opportunity for the disciples to put into action Jesus' teaching? 

 

This week's reading

Matthew 15: 10-28

[Jesus called the crowd to him and said to them, “Listen and understand: it is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but it is what comes out of the mouth that defiles.” Then the disciples approached and said to him, “Do you know that the Pharisees took offense when they heard what you said?” He answered, “Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be uprooted. Let them alone; they are blind guides of the blind. And if one blind person guides another, both will fall into a pit.” But Peter said to him, “Explain this parable to us.” Then he said, “Are you also still without understanding? Do you not see that whatever goes into the mouth enters the stomach, and goes out into the sewer? But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this is what defiles. For out of the heart come evil intentions, murder, adultery, fornication, theft, false witness, slander. These are what defile a person, but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile.”

Jesus left that place and went away to the district of Tyre and Sidon. Just then a Canaanite woman from that region came out and started shouting, “Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David; my daughter is tormented by a demon.” But he did not answer her at all. And his disciples came and urged him, saying, “Send her away, for she keeps shouting after us.” He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” But she came and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, help me.” He answered, “It is not fair to take the children’s food and throw it to the dogs.” She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.” Then Jesus answered her, “Woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.” And her daughter was healed instantly.

 

Prayers for this week:

The Canaanite woman pressed upon Jesus her needs and was heard.  With expectant faith, let us place before God earnest petitions for ourselves and our world, saying:  Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For our world, in need of healing, in search of a savior, yet far from Jesus… Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For the churches and their leaders, at times narrowed by fear and blinded to grace, Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For all of us here present, for those whose faith is known to God alone, and for those intentions we hold deep in our hearts, Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For our local communities, that we might transcend our differences and work together to build a flourishing community, imbued with hope and grace. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For those who are troubled in mind, spirit or body, for those who must watch others suffer, Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For all those who have died and joined with the whole cloud of witnesses, Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Infinite God, we have no claim to your mercy; yet it is your mercy we so desperately need.  Turn your ear toward our supplications and grant us your healing touch.  We ask this with faith in the name of Jesus, who is savior of the world and one with you and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever.  Amen.

 

Music: 

Jesus, Remember Me

St. Thomas Music Group, Woodford Green, under the direction of Margaret Rizza

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nXP3oUatFt0

 

Just As I Am

Mahalia Jackson

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tw-g4-DTKfU

 

Seek-Seek

Swan Silvertones