Today's text is both challenging and gritty. This is one of the most problematic texts found in the Gospel according to Mark, yet also what gives us the deepest look into the humanity of Jesus.

Not only does he compare a woman to a dog, he also is persuaded by this woman and changes his mind. Then, he gets very personal with a deaf man. There is incredible power in the physical touch that is expressed in this story, strange as it may be, it speaks to the intimacy between Jesus and other humans in this story.

What do you find troubling in this passage? What is freeing to you? May God both challenge you and call you to action through the hearing of today's text.

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