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.
SUNDAY, August 14
Matthew 15:(10-20)21-28. She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.”
The people who make a difference are often those who refuse to give in to authority when authority is unfair. They are persistent and creative and avoid getting trapped into the expectation of “she’s only a woman,” “he’s only a foreigner,” “she hasn’t been properly educated,” or whatever else is said to demean people. Without such persons the world would be worse off.
Matthew tells of the Canaanite woman begging Jesus to heal her daughter. Despite being told by Jesus that she wasn’t part of his mission to the Jewish “sheep,” she persists and her request is granted.
She takes the language used to exclude her (“you’re only a dog”) and turns it around with grace and humor. Perhaps Jesus suddenly remembers the Canaanite women named among his ancestors in Matthew 1:1-17. In any case, her reply is enough for him to make a 180-degree turn. Let us give thanks for her and all who have refused to be trapped as victims of exclusiveness and who have pushed open the barriers that confine them.
PRAY for the Diocese of Riverina (New South Wales, Australia)
Ps 133 and Genesis 45:1-15—OR—Ps 67 and Isaiah 56:1, 6-8; Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32
View the daily Lectionary Readings at Satucket.com.
Or view the Bible passages at Biblegateway.com or Oremus Bible browser.
Become a Fan of Forward Day by Day on Facebook.
Follow Forward Day by Day on Twitter.
A Meditation for Pentecost
New! Forward Day by Day is available on your Kindle or Nook!
Learn more about how you can support the Unapologetically Episcopalian Campaign to transform the church! Forward Movement stands ready -- and you can help. Don't forget to "like" Unapolgetically Episcopalian on Facebook.
Send Us Your Cat or Dog Photos!
Forward Movement is accepting photo submissions for EpiscoCats and EpiscoPups – our 15-month, wall-hanging calendars. If your pet is chosen, you’ll receive a photo credit and 5 complimentary copies of the calendar. Click here for submission guidelines!
Claim Your Free Gift Now! Simply subscribe to our e-news by using the form below. You will then be able to download our "Ten Ways to Pray" ebook!
Be sure to confirm your preferences and check your email after subscribing. The link to your free gift is found in your "Welcome" email.
TrackBack URI for this entry
Subscribe to this comment's feed
Show/hide comments
Show/hide comment form
