Paul Zach sings, ‘Have Mercy On Me’.

Jesus, son of David

Have mercy

Have mercy on me

When I hear you passing by

When the crowd ignores my cry

With all my heart and soul and mind

Louder still, O Lord, I cry

Jesus, son of David

Have mercy

Have mercy on me

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Mark.

Mark 7:24-30

From there he set out and went away to the region of Tyre. He entered a house and did not want anyone to know he was there. Yet he could not escape notice, but a woman whose little daughter had an unclean spirit immediately heard about him, and she came and bowed down at his feet. Now the woman was a Gentile, of Syrophoenician origin. She begged him to cast the demon out of her daughter. He said to her, ‘Let the children be fed first, for it is not fair to take the children’s food and throw it to the dogs.’ But she answered him, ‘Sir, even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.’ Then he said to her, ‘For saying that, you may go—the demon has left your daughter.’ So she went home, found the child lying on the bed, and the demon gone.

In this passage, Jesus has been in debate with the religious leaders and seems to have deliberately decided to go into Gentile territory. Perhaps he imagined it would give him some breathing space from the crowds he had been ministering to, but he is now known to the Gentiles as well. When he enters a house in Tyre, he is hoping not to be disturbed. What state of mind do you imagine Jesus is in? How do you relate to this sense of how he feels?

Nevertheless, Jesus is already too well known, even here, to escape notice. The woman shows both humility and courage. She is desperate; she cannot give up because she carries her daughter’s suffering in her prayers. She begs even as Jesus speaks words that sound harsh, even dismissive. How do you bring your desires or needs to the Lord? How might you expect your prayers to be received?

The woman persists, showing a faith that breaks boundaries, and Jesus’ challenging response invites a deeper trust and a humble yet clever response. As the conversation continues, are you reassured? Do you sense that here is a God who listens deeply, who invites honest persistence, and who allows human faith to have a voice?

As we listen to the passage again, perhaps consider whether there are those we encounter whom we consider “outside” our concern.

Mark 7:24-30

From there he set out and went away to the region of Tyre. He entered a house and did not want anyone to know he was there. Yet he could not escape notice, but a woman whose little daughter had an unclean spirit immediately heard about him, and she came and bowed down at his feet. Now the woman was a Gentile, of Syrophoenician origin. She begged him to cast the demon out of her daughter. He said to her, ‘Let the children be fed first, for it is not fair to take the children’s food and throw it to the dogs.’ But she answered him, ‘Sir, even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.’ Then he said to her, ‘For saying that, you may go—the demon has left your daughter.’ So she went home, found the child lying on the bed, and the demon gone.

“For saying that, you may go.” In this time of prayer, place yourself before Jesus, just as you are, and notice how he looks at you as you open your heart to trust in his mercy.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.

As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be

World without end

Amen