Daily Readings - Thu Feb 09 2023
Mark
24Jesus left that place and went to the vicinity of Tyre. He entered a house and did not want anyone to know it; yet he could not keep his presence secret.25In fact, as soon as she heard about him, a woman whose little daughter was possessed by an evil spirit came and fell at his feet.26The woman was a Greek, born in Syrian Phoenicia. She begged Jesus to drive the demon out of her daughter.27"First let the children eat all they want," he told her, "for it is not right to take the children's bread and toss it to their dogs."28"Yes, Lord," she replied, "but even the dogs under the table eat the children's crumbs."29Then he told her, "For such a reply, you may go; the demon has left your daughter."30She went home and found her child lying on the bed, and the demon gone.
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.