Mark 7:24-30 NRSVue
24From 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, 25but a woman whose little daughter had an unclean spirit immediately heard about him, and she came and bowed down at his feet. 26Now the woman was a gentile, of Syrophoenician origin. She begged him to cast the demon out of her daughter. 27He 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.” 28But she answered him, “Sir, even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.” 29Then he said to her, “For saying that, you may go—the demon has left your daughter.” 30And when she went home, she found the child lying on the bed and the demon gone.
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Reflection on Mark 7:24-30
Inspiration from 2025-02-13 Daily Prayer
Jesus knew that he had been sent, first of all, to the lost sheep of the house of Israel, but in his love and compassion, he embraced all people, seeing them as the beloved of his Father. Here, he seems to snub and even insult this Gentile woman, but in fact, he is testing her faith as he does so often with us. Her persistence and trust in him are rewarded. We ask for the grace never to give up prayer and to grow in our faith and trust in the compassion and love our God has for each of us.
Further reflection
Let me imagine this encounter, Lord. I believe you were smiling most of the time. You had taken what we call now a break in the country, away from the clamorous Jews. This demanding woman had heard about you, and ruined your planned retreat. When a mother is worried about her daughter, manners and consideration go out the window. At first you tease her -- everyone knows that Jews do not mix with Gentiles. She is unabashed and comes back hard, turning your metaphor about puppy dogs on its head.
Lord I would like to talk to you as the Syrophoenician did, not hesitating to bother you with my needs, and trusting in your goodness and your sense of humour.
Jesus' words can seem harsh, but it is important to realise that Jewish writers sometimes described Gentiles, unflatteringly, as "little dogs." However, the Gentile woman is not put off by what Jesus says. She is able to best Jesus in verbal repartee, adapting Jesus' response to suit her desire to have her daughter cured. The story of the Gentile woman, an "outsider", challenges us against setting limits on those who can be called sons and daughters of God.
Jesus admired the woman's persistence in looking for a blessing for her daughter. I demonstrate my sincerity in prayer by my persistent trust in God.
I pray for the humility I may need to change my mind.