Even the Dogs

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 15:21-28 

We live in an age when our pets are cherished and spoiled while the children on the streets and on the border are neglected. We spend billions on cosmetics and very little on health care for the poor. There is an inbalance of compassion that we assume is normal. It seems to be part of the culture, that those who are hurting, those who are hungry, and, those who are homeless, are the problem and at fault for society's ills.

Jesus is confronted by a woman aching for healing. She refuses to go away. She is a mother who is not afraid to demand healing for her daughter. Even though he initially responds with the cultural norms by saying, " I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel," when face to face, the cultural norms and rules of the day faded away. When we are face to face with need, God gives us the compassion and skills we need to find healing and restoration.

Today, I ask God to help me live in every moment with compassion. May we have hearts of love for all we encounter, and the skills and resources to bring healing and restoration wherever we go.