Daily Office Readings for Monday of the 4th Week of Lent: Year 2
Morning, Psalm 89:1 to 18; Evening, Psalm 89:19 to 52;
Genesis 49:1to 28; 1st Corinthians 10:14 to 11:1; Mark 7:24 to 37:
“But she answered him, ‘Sir, even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.’” (Mark 7: 28)
And with this response from the Syrophoenician mother Our Lord Jesus yielded to her faith. Some say that this event happened so that we could see God’s inclusive love for all people. Some have even said that this happened as Our Lord Jesus was still learning who he was and the nature of his mission with us. I prefer the first.
As Jesus intentionally went to lands outside of Israel to heal and teach, it is doubtful that he would not care about this woman’s daughter. Also, the Syrophoenician mother shows that anyone bringing their problem to our Lord Jesus, if their faith is genuine, they will not be turned away. This is especially true for intercessory prayer.
It is one thing to pray for ourselves and what we might think we need. But God really pays attention to our plea for the needs of others. Also, in the experience, Jesus shows that He does not have to be physically present where He is needed, moreover, He also knows who we are talking about through our own heart without us having to specifically name or identify them. God reaches through us to comfort and heal those who asks us to pray for then or even their unknown (to us) loved ones. So we do it, we pray for them and God responds.
So too, we pray for both, peace for Ukraine, and the removal of whatever is troubling the Russian regime that is assaulting them. Our Lord Jesus hears our intercessory prayer request and already knows who we are asking it for. Jesus does not care about our so-called race, or our ancestry, or any other human walk in life as long as we believe, as long as we have faith. Thank You Lord Jesus.
As we listen to what the Spirit is saying to us, let us live to love, to serve, and to teach, while pondering anew what the Almighty can do. John
onewhoponders 