Thursday 13 February 2025

Today is Thursday the 13th of February in the 5th week of Ordinary Time.

Salt of the Sound sings, ‘I Need Thee Every Hour’.

I need Thee every hour
Most gracious Lord
No tender voice like Thine
Can peace afford
I need Thee oh I need Thee
Every hour I need Thee
Oh bless me now my Saviour
I come to Thee
I need Thee oh I need Thee
Every hour I need Thee
Oh bless me now my Saviour
I come to Thee
I need Thee oh I need Thee
Every hour I need Thee
Oh bless me now my Saviour
I come to Thee
Oh I need Thee
Oh I need Thee
I come to Thee

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Mark.

Mark 7:24-30

From there [Jesus] set out and went away to the region of Tyre. He entered a house and did not want anyone to know he was there. Yet he could not escape notice, but a woman whose little daughter had an unclean spirit immediately heard about him, and she came and bowed down at his feet. Now the woman was a Gentile, of Syrophoenician origin. She begged him to cast the demon out of her daughter. He said to her, ‘Let the children be fed first, for it is not fair to take the children’s food and throw it to the dogs.’ But she answered him, ‘Sir, even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.’ Then he said to her, ‘For saying that, you may go—the demon has left your daughter.’ So she went home, found the child lying on the bed, and the demon gone.

This passage from Mark’s Gospel offers a profound encounter which challenges the sense of exclusion and offers a new vision of faith and grace.

Jesus is seeking rest. The woman is seeking healing. She is desperate and determined. What emotions fill the air? Where are your empathies drawn at this time?

“Let the children be fed first, for it is not right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.” What is your response to this statement?

The woman continues with persistence, humility and courage. How does her response strike you? Perhaps the woman’s boldness challenges your own depth of faith?

“For this statement, you may go your way; the demon has left your daughter.” Imagine the relief and joy she feels. How do you respond as Jesus affirms her?

As you listen to the passage again consider your experience of, or feelings about exclusion? Do you believe in the generosity of God’s mercy that can be called upon to transform lives?

Take a moment to speak with Jesus, taking strength from the faith and persistence of the Syrophoenician woman, knowing that he listens to our heart’s desire.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.