Daily Readings - Thu Feb 09 2023
Mark
24And from thence he arose, and went into the borders of Tyre and Sidon, and entered into an house, and would have no man know it: but he could not be hid.25For a certain woman, whose young daughter had an unclean spirit, heard of him, and came and fell at his feet:26The woman was a Greek, a Syrophenician by nation; and she besought him that he would cast forth the devil out of her daughter.27But Jesus said unto her, Let the children first be filled: for it is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it unto the dogs.28And she answered and said unto him, Yes, Lord: yet the dogs under the table eat of the children's crumbs.29And he said unto her, For this saying go thy way; the devil is gone out of thy daughter.30And when she was come to her house, she found the devil gone out, and her daughter laid upon the bed.
Sermon
In today’s Gospel, we encounter a powerful narrative of faith and persistence. Jesus travels to the region of Tyre and Sidon, where a Gentile woman approaches him, pleading for her daughter’s healing from an unclean spirit. Initially, Jesus seems hesitant, likening the Gentiles to dogs, but the woman’s unwavering faith and clever response move him to grant her request. This passage highlights the transformative power of faith and the boundless mercy of God.
This story unfolds in a culturally charged context, where Jesus’s mission was primarily to the Jewish people. The woman, a Syro-Phoenician, represents those on the fringes, seeking inclusion in God’s plan. Her persistence challenges Jesus’s initial reluctance, illustrating that God’s grace extends to all, regardless of background. This interaction underscores the universal nature of salvation, a theme central to Mark’s Gospel.
In our daily lives, this story invites us to reflect on our own faith and trust in God. Like the woman, we may face challenges or feel marginalized, but her example teaches us to pray with persistence and humility. Her faith, not her status, moves Jesus to act. This reminds us that our relationship with God is not about who we are, but about our trust in His mercy. Let us approach God with the same persistence, knowing His love knows no bounds.