Thursday, August 13, 2026

Matthew 15:21 

“Jesus left that place and went away to the district of Tyre and Sidon.” 

Whenever Jesus travels outside of Jewish territory, into Gentile areas, we know that he is venturing into the unknown. He will be a foreigner in a foreign land, with vastly different customs and faith practices, and will clash against the culture he finds. But wherever Jesus goes, he brings grace with him. And whenever he encounters these tensions, he opens up hearts and minds towards new possibilities: ones where the kingdom of God is near, and for all people, even in the most unlikely of circumstances.  

This is a travel narrative, and it is preparing us for just such a story of a grace encounter.  

– Pr. Alex 

Let us pray: Merciful God, you show us how to share your tender compassion with all of creation. Open our hearts so that we might welcome the stranger and foreigner, just as we welcome you. Amen.