Forward Movement is an official, non-profit agency of the Episcopal Church whose mission is to create compelling content for Christian living. Since 1935 we have published the quarterly devotional Forward Day by Day, as well as pamphlets, booklets, and books that encourage and nourish people in their lives of prayer and faith.
FRIDAY, July 31 (Ignatius of Loyola)
Mark 7:24-37. Sir, even the dogs under the table eat the children's crumbs.
Every Wednesday, I pick my grandson up and bring him to the country. He has learned much about life here. He wants to pick up every rock, smell every wildflower, chuck twigs into the pond, feed the fish, climb the trees.
Our dogs are thrilled to see me drive up with him in the car. They know this means an evening of playing, a more fast-paced few hours than they are used to with their middle-aged owners!
They also know that sooner or later, I will corral my grandson to eat at the table with us. As if on their best behavior, the dogs go under the table to await every morsel that falls from this four-year-old's plate. Smart dogs.
And what a smart woman in today's gospel who pleads with Jesus to heal her daughter. Jesus uses a parable to explain that the Word has been brought to others. She was Greek and probably a learned lady. The love of her daughter joined her intelligence as she pressed Jesus. She would willingly wait under the table for the smallest crumb of his healing touch.
Her heart and head joined in faith to petition the Lord. Smart!
PRAY for the Diocese of Hawaii (Province VIII, U.S.)
Ps 69:1-23(24-30)31-38 * 73; 2 Samuel 5:1-12; Acts 17:1-15
View the daily Lectionary Readings at Satucket.com.
Or view the Bible passages at Biblegateway.com.
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Your quarterly booklet publication is an everyday inspiration and tool that fits my day...everyday! So very ironic and blessed are the words,insight and inspiration! Love Everyone there more day by day XOXOXO K.Neil
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