The 14th Sunday After Pentecost, (Proper 15A), Aug. 17, 2008
BCP: Isaiah 56:1(2-5)6-7; Psalm 67; Rom. 11:13-15, 29-32; Matt. 15:21-28
RCL: Gen. 45:1-15 and Psalm 133; or Isaiah 56:1, 6-8 and Psalm 67; Rom. 11:1-2a, 29-32; Matt. 15:(10-20)21-28
Christ’s dialogue with the Canaanite woman is a vivid illustration of the inclusiveness of the gospel. Canaanites were ancient pagan enemies of the Hebrews. St. Matthew’s gospel suggests that the prejudice against them was so strong that the Hebrews believed the Canaanites didn’t deserve to be nourished by the true faith.
The story suggests by contrast that the kingdom of God be open to all people— including not just people of other religions but women, too. (Normally a woman would be an unfit debating partner for a Hebrew teacher, even if she were herself Jewish.) Admittedly, though, this idea of the universal appeal of the gospel has in our time become something of a cliché. Christians of every political tendency claim to be open to all. Even a congregation espousing strict doctrines would still want to be “called a house of prayer for all peoples” (Isaiah 56:7).
Even so, the story of Christ’s encounter with the Canaanite woman still speaks to Christians who talk an inclusive talk while walking an exclusive walk. The Anglican Communion, for example, seems to be divided into factions that regard each other as spiritually untouchable. Some Episcopal churches seem not even to be houses of prayer for all Episcopalians.
And even those Anglicans who see themselves as generously tolerant of other interpretations of Christian doctrines find it hard not to cheer for one faction over another. The most tolerant souls can be tempted to hold themselves up above others.
All the more reason, then, to pay close attention to the gospel story. For example, the Canaanite woman, defending her request for her daughter’s healing from her inferior position, has a wonderful line: “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table” (Matt.15:27).
Yet the best word is saved for Jesus: “Let it be done for you as you wish.” Christ’s words reflect a graciousness that we all could do well to imitate. Let the universe bend so that the scorned can be lifted up – like the Creator in Genesis saying, “Let there be light.” (Gen. 1:3) For the all-powerful God, to wish is to create. By the grace of God, intolerance dissolves into divine peace.
Look It Up
The Creation Story in Gen.1:1-2:3 reminds us that God is the source of all that is, and when God created, “he saw that it was good.”
Think About It
Are there people whom I would consider to be morally or spiritually beneath me? How accurate are my judgments in these cases?
Next Sunday
The 15th Sunday After Pentecost, (Proper 16A), Aug. 24, 2008
BCP: Isaiah 51:1-6; Psalm138; Rom. 11:33-36; Matt. 16:13-20
RCL: Exodus 1:8—2:10 and Psalm 124; or Isaiah 51:1-6 and Psalm 138; Rom. 12:1-8; Matt. 16:13-20
