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
Sometimes, we think that faith is a quiet, subtle act, something we do in the privacy of our homes. Yet, we find a woman, a mother, who raises her voice to Jesus, over and over again. He knew he was sent for Israel. She knew that God had no borders, no one tribe but loved all people. And as a parent, she knew such great love for her child that she would not back down. I want us all to see and know God as the source of all love, love in every form, love that transforms people and give them strong faith. The enemy, a Canaanite woman. a fierce mother, has taught us all about the love of God. Love that knows no borders, no genders, is not exclusive, and is always welcoming.
A Litany for Sunday, August 20th
Creator God, you are the source of love
we cannot know love without your love
you are Alpha and Omega, we begin and end with you
and you stretch us in faith and love every single day.
Lord, help us to have faith in your endless love.
We often give us trying and quit being faithful
the edges keep expanding and the borders break down
we find comfort in our small groups and ache to hide
yet you call us to be more than frightened children.
Lord, help us to have faith in your endless love.
Give us the strength of the Canaanite mother
whose fierce love has taught us all a lesson.
Lord, help us to have faith in your endless love.
Make us bold in our faith and in our loving
may we speak up for those who have been silenced.
Lord, help us to have faith in your endless love.
Strengthen our faith so we may follow you
make us your people in this time and place.
Lord, help us to have faith in your endless love. Amen.
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