All in the Family 3 March 2008

Mark 7:24-37
Monday, 3 March 2008

Parents are frequently asked but loath to admit whether one of their children is their favorite. Because we have a romantic and idealistic notion that goods and services, or at least love ought to be meted out indiscriminately within a family, we certainly don't want to admit that favoritism is a natural part of being human. Even within our families some relatives are our favorites and others not so much.

Today's text includes one of the most difficult scenes in all of the scriptures. Here we see Jesus initially refusing the request of a woman whose daughter is possessed by demons. No matter how many times I read the happy ending I am still made uncomfortable by the exchange. I read that Jesus is taking a respite, hiding out in Tyre (Gentile territory) away from the crowds that dog him. I see that again his efforts toward solitude are interrupted by the persistence of some needy person(s). The woman's need is real and serious. Her faith and persistence rule the day. And in the end, Jesus' own ministry expands and makes room for a larger family, large enough even for us to participate.

Like the text from Sunday regarding the man born blind, this text points us again toward the question of fairness and suffering. What I like about the gospel writers' inclusion of this scene is that it sets a standard for all of us who claim to follow Jesus. When is the last time we allowed our vision of the family to expand?

Sing, "Jesus Loves the Little Children"

Let us pray:
As always, Lord, we wish to follow your example and walk in your steps. As we consider the needs around us, we pray that you will help us to have a vision of family that includes people like ourselves and those who are radically different. Stretch us in this season, we pray in Jesus' name. Amen