Scriptures: Matthew 15:21-22
Jesus left that place and went away to the district of Tyre and Sidon. Just then a Canaanite woman from that region came out and started shouting, “Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David; my daughter is tormented by a demon.”
Thought for the Day: The Gospels are simple and complicated at the same time. I know that sounds like foolishness, and it might be, yet as I read through many passages I find the simplicity of love that complicates my life. Jesus bridged social, religious and economic chasms, yet he did not necessarily require people to change or follow him. There were many who did, but other times, Jesus encountered people of very different backgrounds and respected them for who they were. We think of love as the doorway to a changed heart, faith and discipleship. But in the case of the Canaanite woman who pleaded for Jesus’ help, the end of the story does not have her changing, but Jesus changing. She remained a Canaanite, yet Jesus showed her compassion and did what was requested. I ponder these thoughts as we approach Sunday afternoon and our interfaith gathering with members of the Islamic Society of Greater Houston. Imam Daniel Abdullah Hernandez will be with us, and I am approaching this experience with a spirit of openness and excitement. As a follower of Jesus, I am not going to seek change within my Islamic sisters and brothers. Instead, I am going to be open to the possibility that the experience might just change me. I hope you are planning to come this Sunday, April 10, at 2pm (Activity Room).
Prayer: Let my faith be strong enough, O Lord of immeasurable love, so that I can truly listen to someone who might have a different perspective. Let me listen and learn, discovering that amidst the differences there are immeasurable similarities. Amen.
SUNDAY’S SERMON
A Resurrection Realness
Based on Philippians 3:10-12
