Saturday, August 15, 2026

Matthew 15:27-28 

“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 from that moment.” 

In spite of the circumstances, in spite of the wounds, God’s mercy and goodness is what finally reigns. 

This woman has barrier upon barrier to her finding relief. She is excluded from the temples as a woman, who cannot ever be ritually clean, due to her monthly menstruation. She is excluded from the nation of Isreal as a Canaanite, and she is outside of the Jewish faith tradition as a Gentile. As one with a diseased daughter, she has likely been isolated or shunned from her community; and now, she is calling out for something that everyone, everywhere, would deem as unfit. Because the world had made it clear: mercy, worthiness, and healing are not for you. You are an outsider. But do we see Jesus ultimately saying and believing that with his words and actions? No! Do we see Jesus promote and honor that kind of worldview? No again! In fact: he goes as far as to lift her up, and praise her, as one of great faith.  

In spite of the culture, in spite of the judgement, God’s mercy and goodness is what finally reigns.  

– Pr. Alex 

Let us pray: Faithful God, you offer us mercy and love, even when all else does not. We praise you for being our steady rock in the midst of shifting, unforgiving sands. We anchor ourselves in your love. Amen.