Gospel Reading for Sunday 14 th August Matthew 15: (10-20), 21-28 (NIV)
This Gospel reading could leave us a little puzzled and asking ‘What’s all this about?’.
In the first section, Jesus seems to talk in riddles. But Peter (probably speaking what the other disciples are thinking) just blurts out ‘I don’t get it!’ (Msg). One senses Jesus’ frustration with the disciples in his response to them on what is meant by clean or unclean. I wonder what conversation the disciples would have had next!
The next section may also leave us unsure about some things. Jesus simply ignored the plea of the Canaanite woman to help her daughter. Had Jesus had enough of the constant needs and requests of people from the past few days and weeks? Was he tired? Or was Jesus testing out this woman’s faith? She didn’t give up; she pestered the disciples and asked Jesus again for help. It seems that Jesus may be her last hope, and she wasn’t going away. The healing of the daughter doesn’t seem to be the key to this story. It seems to be a test of faith for the woman and her persistence to get an answer.
Do we sometimes feel like this woman, maybe in that God hears us but we feel ignored? Our faith and trust in God are important. God wants us to communicate with him constantly, in the good and the not-so-good times. We too will face tests, which may leave us with doubts but at other times strengthen our faith. We can be assured that God will provide us with all we need and will respond to us and in ways that we don’t expect or notice at the time. As teachers and leaders in Lutheran schools, it is worth remembering this last point; our answers may not be where we think they should be; God knows what is best and will respond to our requests at times and in ways we may not be prepared for.
[Sue Kupke]
A great reminder Sue that God does hear us. It is just that we perhaps don't hear him!
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