Pentecost 14
September 6. 2009

Scripture Introductions
by Stewart Clarke

The first reading gives a sample of the book of  Proverbs.   
The book is a collection of sayings to help one in life.   
The approach is often more humanist than religious, 
and some of the sayings are more idealistic than realistic.  
They are written often in couplets, a form of poetry 
to help one remember the advice.  The rhyme, if you will, 
is more in the harmony of thought than of words.

Let's listen to this sample in:

Prov. 22: 1-2, 8-9, 22-23. [2]

We may hold our acclaim until after the Gospel, 
or we may want to add something like:  
May the Spirit help us see the Realm of God in common things.



The Psalm reflects a similar hope and prayer, set in the context 
of a pilgrimage to Jerusalem.  Picture people coming in sight of the Holy City, 
and finding meaning in the setting of hills. 
(The wish or prayer for peace in Jerusalem seems very timely and modern.)

Let's..

Ps., 125, VU 849



In the Epistle, we find warnings against favouritism, especially honouring the rich 
and ignoring the needs and rights of the poor.  The focus is on words, 
actions and perhaps tone of voice!  It can help us see how welcoming 
we really are in church and community.

Let's listen to this timely advice:

James 2: 1-10, 14-17

May our faith compel us to welcome and to share with our neighbours, Amen.



The Gospel invites us to speculate.  What is really happening?   
Jesus has wandered far from his usual haunts, well into Gentile territory.   
He is a tourist or guest in foreign territory, but no reason is given for this journey [3].  
He apparently chooses to challenge or insult a desperate Gentile mother, 
pleading for her daughter!  Some have seen Jesus learning 
how inappropriate his prejudices were, thereby debunking ideas of Jesus being perfect. [4]  
Some are encouraged with the picture of Jesus learning from a Gentile woman.  
Others have seen him using the scene to teach his followers 
about the inclusiveness of God's love.

(Tyre, "Rock," famous for its purple dye, and Sidon, perhaps the oldest of the Phoenician cities, 
said to have been founded by Canaan, Noah's grandson, were on the shore 
of the Mediterranean Sea, 20 and 30 miles north of Galilee, further than an afternoon's stroll! )

(The Decapolis, "ten cities" around the Jordan, grew up under Greek influence 
following the invasion of Alexander the Great in the 4th Century BC/BCE: 
Jesus is still in an area of considerable Gentile spirit, but an area where he found acceptance. )

The story of the Syrophoenician woman is followed by another healing: of a man 
who was "deaf and dumb."  Jesus may be seen to react in very different ways.. 
We often take the stories separately, and build our understanding of Jesus accordingly.  
What impression do we get when we put the stories side by side?

Let us rise to honour and be open to the Good News for us in:
(Or: Let us listen closely for the Good News for us in: )

Mark 7: 24-37

And may this reading bring us closer to Jesus, a real individual, and our window on God's Way.

It is appropriate to follow the readings with thanks and praise.

Notes:

  With thanks to CAM.
  With thanks to CAM.
  The choice of translation may make a difference in how the passage is heard.  
I prefer, for instance, NEB, TEV, over JB or RSV, for the Psalm.
  No reason is given, either, for a possibly clandestine visit!
  For Jesus' own definition of perfection, check out Matthew 5: 48 


(Comments to Stew at stewclarke@eastlink.ca.)