Mark 7:24-30

Rev. Marcel Divine Emeka Okwara, CSsR

St. Peter Catholic Church, Mendota, MN

In this Gospel, a gusty Greek woman, a Syrophoenician by birth, whose daughter had unclean spirit comes to Jesus and engages him in an argument. Felling to his feet, she begs Jesus to expel the demon that was disturbing her daughter. Rather than do what the woman requests, Jesus said, “Let the children be fed first. For it is not right to take the food of the children and throw it to the dogs.” Most 21st century women and men will be deeply offended by those comments. But not this woman. Her daughter’s condition is her utmost concern. So rather than take offense, she fired back, “Lord, even the dogs under the table eat the children’s scraps.” Her words, filled with faith seals the deal for her: “For saying this, you may go. The demon has gone out of your daughter,” Jesus assured her.” And on getting home, she finds her daughter freed from the demon. 

Sisters and brothers, this Gospel passage is one of the few scenes in the Gospel where someone has the gut to persuade Jesus to do something he doesn't want to do. But how should we read this passage? First, in the story, we see the humanity and divinity of Jesus in full display. The woman’s perseverance in the face of the test that Jesus puts before her is one way to read this Gospel. We can accurately highlights her virtue of persistence and perseverance. The Gospel can also be read by stressing how the woman epitomizes and shines the spotlight on the right and proper attitude towards God— a mixture of meekness and audacity. 

But there is another reading of this Gospel that is not always mentioned, and that is the “other.” The entire Bible speaks earnestly about the “other.” And who are they? They are the poor, the vulnerable, the homeless, the hungry, the widow, the orphan, the stranger and all those who rely on others to take care of them. The “other” include the immigrant at the border and in our community, it includes our elderly dads and moms, it includes children born with autism and other medical conditions that maim them. The “other” also includes the unborn babies and folks around us who have no medical health insurance. The “other” includes that man or woman who stands by the traffic light and holds a sign that says, “I am homeless and hungry, please help me.” Sometimes when we see them, we want to look away and we do look away. As much as we want them to go away, we still see them and the press upon us. We encounter them when we stop at a gas station to fill our tank; we see them when we walk into restaurant to eat or walk into a department stores to shop. We see them along the streets, around our homes, and places where we worship. We want them to go away and not bother us. But they won’t. 

Whenever we encounter the “other,” let’s remember that we are the Body of Christ. We are the Lord’s physical presence in the world. We are Jesus’ disciples. We are the companions of the most Holy Redeemer. So, when people come to us asking for food, water, friendship, love, shelter, freedom, let’s strive not to look away. Even if your instinct tells you to look away, reconsider. And if there is anything you can do to alleviate their suffering, to make their lives better at that moment, please do it. Remember that the whole of the Christian project consists in remembering the “other” and doing something about it. God bless you!