Mark 7:24-30
In Mark’s gospel, Jesus responds to the Syrophoenician woman who has asked for her daughter to be healed, that the family children come before the family dogs. He is really saying, “ you, a Syrophoenician, are not of our Jewish family. I am here to tend to my family, not yours.” The woman’s response, “ah yes sir but the house dogs under the table can eat the children’s scraps” evokes Jesus’ compassion. Jesus heals her daughter.
Maybe the woman’s faith in Jesus’ power to heal challenged Jesus to be open to persons who were not Jewish but who believed in him. This is a form of loyalty. Who are the people now who are challenging you to move beyond your comfort zones, broaden your beliefs, to widen your loyalties?
Maybe at this troubled time in our world, we need some of our pet beliefs, loyalties, and attitudes to be jostled. Perhaps we are being invited to a change of heart. Only you and your God know the changes being asked of you.
You and I can pray to Jesus to help us be open to change as he was with this loving Mother.
By Joan Lanahan
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Meditations
* Our Way of Life *
"Our diverse talents and abilities, our differences in culture, nationality and age are assets for the richness of the community. Although we may be engaged in a variety of ministries, we all share the common call to apostolic discipleship in a community of the Catholic Apostolate of St. Vincent Pallotti."(OWL, 91)
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"Christ, the Apostle of the Eternal Father, and his mission are central to our personal and community life, giving meaning and direction to our thinking, our spirituality, our prayer, action and suffering." (OWL, 19)
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"As a community of disciples we are gathered around Jesus, the Apostle of the Eternal Father. Like the first disciples, we want to be with Jesus, be sent out by him and return to him to evaluate our service in the light of his presence." (OWL, 88)
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"As Pallottines, it is our special charism to foster growth in faith and love among the laity, to awaken them to awareness of their apostolic call, and to cooperate with them in furthering the apostolic mission." (OWL, 21)
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"Our relationships with one another should be marked by a love that bears all, believes all and hopes for all, a love that is neither conceited nor jealous, which hurts no one, nor is embittered or resentful. It is never discouraged but remains patient and kind. It rejoices with others and shares their suffering. It is with this kind of love that we should help and support one another." (OWL, 90)