The Word God Spells

Mark 7: 24-30
Gn 2:18-25 / Ps 128

Lord, even the dogs under the table eat the children’s scraps.
(Mark 7:28)

Despite their need to take a rest,
The woman’s pleas our Lord addressed;
Have faith He’ll hear all our requests
Just be prepared to pass the test.

Jesus and His apostles had withdrawn to the district of Tyre to find a place where they could rest. The previous days had been filled with so much pressure and stress. The Lord’s first cousin, John the Baptist, had just been killed by King Herod. He was still in mourning when the apostles returned from their missions, and were eager to recount their experiences to their Master. But a multitude of more than five thousand had followed them, and their various illnesses (and hunger) had to be addressed. When they finally escaped from the hordes of people, the apostles had to contend with a storm at sea, and Jesus had to traverse a distance of violent waves and winds to calm things down. When their boat docked at Gennesaret, crowds of people again gave them no rest, bringing their sick and demon-possessed. Weary and hungry, when they finally found time to eat, Pharisees and scribes came from a great distance just to criticize them for not washing their hands in the traditional way before meals. It was a small wonder that Jesus could still accomodate a Greek woman who had come to disturb their rest. “Send her away, for she keeps calling out after us,” (Mt.15:23) His apostles pleaded with Jesus so they could have their rest. They had entered a house, and wanted a bit of privacy (Mark7:24), but the Syrophoenician woman had entered, and fell pleading at Jesus’ feet, that He might drive away the demon that had possessed her daughter.

Reflection

Jesus’ words — “It is not right to take the food of the children and throw it to the dogs” — were merely allegorical, meaning, “let me attend to my apostles first, for we have more important matters to discuss, and then afterwards I will attend to your little problem.” But the woman wisely (and humbly) replied: “Lord, even the dogs under the table eat the children’s scraps.” (Mk.7:28) With those words of wisdom, Jesus praised her, and her daughter was instantly healed. The Syrophoenician woman’s response was also allegorical. Like the Roman Centurion, (Lk.7:7) she had great faith in Jesus’ ‘tele-healing’ power, and what she was really saying was: “Lord, you don’t have to leave your apostles to attend to my little problem. Just say the word, and I truly believe my daughter will be healed.” In fact, when Jesus said her wish was granted, she quickly left without doubting His word.

The lesson in today’s Gospel is about faith and perseverance in prayer. As shown in this passage, God will answer all requests, even that of a gentile, an outsider, whose simple faith was that Jesus had the power to heal. Faith must be impelled by love, as in the woman’s case, her love for her daughter. By her example, our faith must also take action. Faith without action is dead (James 2:17). Finally, we must persist in our prayer, even if all the odds seem to be going against us. Like the woman, we are all outsiders (not Jews), weak and sinful. But by God’s grace and mercy, our prayers will be answered if we only ask in faith and love, actively and persistently.

Let our faith be like that of the pagan woman, Lord, full of perseverance and fortitude. For nothing is too great or too small for the miracle of Your love. Amen.