Living in the Spirit
September 8, 2018
Scripture Reading: Mark 7:24-37
From there he set out and went away to the region of Tyre. He entered a house and did not want anyone to know he was there. Yet he could not escape notice, but a woman whose little daughter had an unclean spirit immediately heard about him, and she came and bowed down at his feet. Now the woman was a Gentile, of Syrophoenician origin. She begged him to cast the demon out of her daughter. He said to her, ‘Let the children be fed first, for it is not fair to take the children’s food and throw it to the dogs.’ But she answered him, ‘Sir, even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.’ Then he said to her, ‘For saying that, you may go—the demon has left your daughter.’ So she went home, found the child lying on the bed, and the demon gone. –Mark 7:24-30
For me, this story from the life of Jesus epitomizes his experience of being fully human as we all must grow beyond our cultural limitations and into the wonderfully diverse world God created as the habitat we share with all God’s children. That does not mean that Jesus’ culture was good or bad. It was probably some of both as all cultures are. Some attributes stand the test of time and need to be saved and savored even shared with others. While some parts of every culture fade from existence as they tarnish with time. I am sure the same could be said for the Syrophoenician woman’s origin.
I just had lunch with a friend at one of my favorite Mediterranean restaurants. I live a few blocks from the area in my city known as little Asia that abounds with Chinese and Vietnamese and Thai food. Several Mexican restaurants are close. That mix has become my culture.
In Matthew 6:33, Jesus tells us to strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. All these things refers to what we eat and drink and wear which take their proper place in a world seeking to love like Jesus loves.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for the blessings that come from the rich experiences of shared culture. Free us from the fear that keeps us from exploring how others practice your love. Amen.