Mark 7:24-37
24-27 Jesus left that place and went into the region of Tyre. He didn’t want anyone to know that he had entered a house, but he couldn’t hide. In fact, a woman whose young daughter was possessed by an unclean spirit heard about him right away. She came and fell at his feet. The woman was Greek, Syrophoenician by birth. She begged Jesus to throw the demon out of her daughter. He responded, “The children have to be fed first. It isn’t right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.”
28 But she answered, “Lord, even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.”
29-30 “Good answer!” he said. “Go on home. The demon has already left your daughter.” When she returned to her house, she found the child lying on the bed and the demon gone.
31-35 After leaving the region of Tyre, Jesus went through Sidon toward the Galilee Sea through the region of the Ten Cities. Some people brought to him a man who was deaf and could hardly speak, and they begged him to place his hand on the man for healing. Jesus took him away from the crowd by himself and put his fingers in the man’s ears. Then he spit and touched the man’s tongue. Looking into heaven, Jesus sighed deeply and said, “Ephphatha,” which means, “Open up. At once, his ears opened, his twisted tongue was released, and he began to speak clearly.
36-37 Jesus gave the people strict orders not to tell anyone. But the more he tried to silence them, the more eagerly they shared the news. People were overcome with wonder, saying, “He does everything well! He even makes the deaf to hear and gives speech to those who can’t speak.”
REFLECTIONS:
Thoughts from John:
I have a lot of questions about these two stories. Jesus is simultaneously compassionate and dismissive and needs others to “beg” before being moved to action. What does this indicate about the God of the Universe who we say is incarnated in Jesus?
Honestly, I don’t know.
But what I do know is that many of my friends who live outside must beg the world to offer them compassion. They have to beg me more times than I’m willing to admit too.
And if the God of the Universe can be compelled into greater forms of mercy, then so can I.
So can we.
And I’m convinced that it is worth it to say yes.
PRACTICE:
Outward Mindset Application
Think of someone who may be feeling like you are using them as a vehicle to advance your own needs. What adjustments can you make to resolve their negative experience?
Non-Violent Communication Question of the Week
When you tell a story about an event you experienced, what helps you maintain empathy for the others in the story? When are you most tempted to describe their actions less charitably?
Pathways toward Centeredness
Activism (seeking change on behalf of the powerless):
Is there anyone in your world who is facing a challenge and could use an advocate? Ask them if there is a meaningful way you can offer yourself in support to them this week.
Questions for Reflection
When have felt looked-over or looked-past? Have you needed to advocate for yourself? Listen to the voice of pride, love, and compassion celebrating your courage.
Is there anything you wish were healed or resolved in your own life currently? Who are the people to whom you can begin to express your need?
“Liturgy” refers to the habits and practices humans use to form community around shared values and meaning. At Church at the Park, we desire to be a community of practice, becoming people who see the world through the eyes of the marginalized, making meaning through the lens of pain and suffering, and committing ourselves to non-violence in a wounded world. This weekly email is intended to provide pathways of practice for becoming the type of people who embody these values.
Many of our reflections on each week's text come from other sources. If you're interested in reading more of what inspires us, here our our two favorite reflections.
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