Mark 7:26
The woman was a Greek, a Syrophoenician by birth, and she begged him to drive the demon out of her daughter.
What is a Syrophoenician? I never heard of one, but it must have been important enough for Mark, the author of today's gospel, to mention that the woman in the story was Greek and Syrophoenician by birth. Why did he just not say a woman? Usually the authors never mentioned where they were from unless they were making a point, like the Samaritan. Jesus was often put in positions to heal and eat when the old law said it was forbidden. Jesus always used these opportunities as teaching moments. In today's lesson, he teaches that he can heal anyone regardless of the national status, language, faith tradition or background.
We are challenged as a world, as a nation, as a society today to care for others. The world used to be a big place, but with technology and travel methods, countries and foreigners interact more than just about any time in history. We must learn to be compassionate and accepting to everyone, not just those from our country, but those who need healing from other lands. There are refugees fleeing wars, famine, political strife, drugs, etc. We are taught to help all of our brothers and sisters, not just those from our land but from everywhere. Lord, give us the grace to love all with a pure heart and to help those in need.
