Today’s Scripture Readings

Gospel Reading

NRSV

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.

In reading this Gospel passage, there is an initial hardness of Jesus, seemingly ignoring the cry of the Canaanite woman, who is seeking healing for her daughter possessed by a demon. Yet, as with all things in the Gospels, there is a narrative unfolding that helps us to discover and understand the Kingdom of Heaven more clearly.

In reading the Gospel of Matthew, it is important to remember that its first audience was almost certainly Jewish Christians, and the Gospel is being written to prepare the Jewish Christians for the fullness of Christ’s mission of salvation that is offered to the whole world. This story dutifully acknowledges the promise that God has made with the Jewish people, speaking of the ‘children’s food’ which is a reference to this covenant. It does not end there however, through the determined and clever insistence of the Canaanite woman, the Gospel displays how Jesus came to save all souls, Jews and Gentile alike.

The Canaanite woman’s determination to get help for her daughter is incredibly moving, politely yet firmly putting her needs before Jesus, leading to the beautiful line: “‘Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.” (Matthew 15:27) Her faith is celebrated by Jesus as she pursues her goal with imprudent faith and determination. Even in being ‘unworthy’ of God’s grace, as we all are, we are still offered the crumbs that alone can completely satisfy our desires.

God, help me to pursue You like the Canaanite woman, seeking You and Your grace in my life without reservation. Amen.

Will you ask for a crumb of grace today?