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

Growing up we have several dogs who were part of the family. Mark and I have had several dogs who we and our children have loved and lost. I loved to refer to our dog at the time with nicknames, including hoover, electrolux and broom. When our children were small, having a dog meant not having to clean up the food mess on an hourly basis. In recent years, there may not be so much dropped, but I still was grateful for their help in the cleaning. And I am aware how easy it is to exclude people and other creatures. Yet the brave Canaanite woman, faced down the son of God, and told him that all were included.

Wondrous Creator, source of all life

you call us all your beloved children

you made us in a beautiful diversity

and call us all to seek peace together.

We live in segregation and isolation

we like our comfort and fail to include

we pretend not to see the harm we do

and act like everything is acceptable.

Help us all to get down from pedestals

help us be humble to see the excluded

open our arms and hearts to make room

for all of God's beloved at the table. Amen.