Saturday, November 7, 2015

Today’s Reading  |  Matthew 15:21–28
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. (NRSV)

Reflection
The faith of this woman is almost overwhelming. If only we all had the faith to call out to Jesus for help in the midst of a crowd of people! And then to cry out again for our Lord after those who claim to follow Jesus rebuked us! This woman reminds Jesus and his followers that they are mistaken: Jesus has come for all!

We often forget that Christ came for all of humanity, and we have to remind one another of this, because there are many who claim otherwise. As God’s creations we are all different; no two are the same. All too often we hear that you must be a specific type of person to follow Christ or that you can only experience the love of Christ if you fit into a mold, but this is not so. In the midst of difficult events or blue times in our lives, we have to muster the strength to call aloud to Christ and remind ourselves that he came for us, not just the others who lead more expensive lives or have privileges that we do not have.

In our busy world, where noise is always present and there will always be those who try to silence us, we have to speak up and cry aloud so that everyone will hear us when we remind people that God’s love is for each of us.

Prayer
Lord, allow my voice to be strong like the Canaanite woman’s. When there are those who would silence my voice, let me cry louder above the noise. Help me to shout Christ’s love to others so that they might know that they are good enough and deserving of Christ’s love. Let me be a voice for myself and for others in this world. Amen.

Written by Shelley Donaldson, Senior High and Confirmation Youth Coordinator

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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