Scripture:
Reflection:
Our Gospel for today picks up as Jesus once again travels into Gentile territory from the traditional lands of Israel. As far as we can tell from the text, he is alone and enters “a house” with the desire to escape notice.
We might assume that being disturbed has put him in a slightly foul mood because nowhere else in the Gospel narrative does he respond in such a rude and demeaning way to anyone asking for his healing help, especially not a child. This mother fell at his feet offering a fervent petition on behalf of her daughter, and Jesus dismissed her initial request.
The mother is not deterred by Jesus’ response in calling her daughter “a dog.” Dogs are regarded as unclean animals, and he rudely insults this woman and her daughter. As a mother and a grandmother, I feel compassion and empathy for this woman but also anger at Jesus’ rejection of her. Like every parent from the beginning of time who begs help for their child, she has no choice but to persist. She has nothing to lose and stands her ground with Jesus. She’ll take the crumbs discarded by “the children” and do whatever it takes as long as Jesus heals her daughter. Unlike Matthew’s Jesus (15:28) who declares her a woman of “great faith,” Mark’s Jesus says, “For saying this, you may go. The demon has left your daughter.” v. 29.
This text of the Syrophoenician woman offers further insight into the dynamics in the Marcan community as they wrestle with the cultural gap between the Jews and Greeks. Mark shows Jesus going into Gentile lands and finding people of faith. We might even note that she counters and wins the argument. She has agency.
At this time in the first century (70 AD), their struggles to create and sustain a new Christian community were real. They were played out against the backdrop of persecution in Rome. At any time, change is hard, and adjustments are uncomfortable. It seems the more things change, the more they stay the same. Those challenges seem just as true for us today.
Finding common ground is often elusive, yet hope must be our posture. Our recent experience of the Eaton Fire has taught many lessons on coming together as a united people. After being evacuated from our home late on the night of January 7, we joined many thousands looking for hotel rooms. It took several tries until we finally found one. Looking back, it was a bit chaotic between slow hotel computers and electricity coming and going. However, the one constant was the people in line. There was a unity of purpose; we were all in the same situation. In those moments, we were human beings looking out for each other with care and concern.
Like Jesus, may we continue in this jubilee year of Hope to cross boundaries and bring his love and care to all we meet. Like the Syrophoenician woman, may we be steadfast and relentless in pursuing healing and wholeness for our world. Amen.
Jean Bowler is a member of the Ministry Team at Mater Dolorosa Passionist Retreat Center in Sierra Madre, California.