Sunday August 16, 2026
Jesus called the crowd to him and said to them, “Listen and understand: it is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but it is what comes out of the mouth that defiles.” Then the disciples approached and said to him, “Do you know that the Pharisees took offense when they heard what you said?” He answered, “Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be uprooted. Let them alone; they are blind guides of the blind. And if one blind person guides another, both will fall into a pit.” But Peter said to him, “Explain this parable to us.” Then he said, “Are you also still without understanding? Do you not see that whatever goes into the mouth enters the stomach, and goes out into the sewer? But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this is what defiles. For out of the heart come evil intentions, murder, adultery, fornication, theft, false witness, slander. These are what defile a person, but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile.” 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. Matthew 15:10-28
In this season, we hear of the many encounters of Jesus and women who are outsiders, outcasts and aliens. This reading begins with him telling the crowd that not what goes in, but what goes out defiles a person. Our cruel thoughts and behaviors defile us. And immediately, Jesus and the disciples are hounded by a Canaanite woman. The disciples want her to go away, but Jesus speaks with her and talks about the dogs receiving crumbs from the table. She knew she was an alien, but she also knew that God's love and healing was for all. Jesus makes her an example for all of us. She became the "woman of great faith" who changed his ministry and ours, to open our arms to everyone. There are no outcasts when we follow Jesus.
Loving Creator, you sent you son for the whole world
and taught us how to love and include the strangers.
Have mercy on us, Lord Jesus, we need your love and compassion today.
We are fearful when people pursue us and hound us
thinking they want something form us or to hurt us.
Have mercy on us, Lord Jesus, we need your love and compassion today.
Yet often, they want to be seen, heard and welcomed
and we are terrified of difference and loud strangers.
Have mercy on us, Lord Jesus, we need your love and compassion today.
You turned to greet the shouting Canaanite woman
and ended up calling her a woman of great faith.
Have mercy on us, Lord Jesus, we need your love and compassion today.
Make us people of great faith in these divided times
and make us fearless in our love and care for all creation.
Have mercy on us, Lord Jesus, we need your love and compassion today.
Give us your abundant heart and your compassionate care
so we might make room for all who come to you.
Have mercy on us, Lord Jesus, we need your love and compassion today. Amen.
