Blessed Labor Day weekend, my friends.
We have officially turned the corner toward autumn and fall-like weather (hopefully!). On this weekend we remember the many who labored to make our country great and all workers everywhere who need a day off.
We continue in the Pentecost season, honoring God’s Holy Spirit at work in, with, and through us. Whether you are able to worship in person or at home (remember time change, the service is at 11 a.m. now) know of God’s promise to be with us.
Today Jesus “set out” and is on the move bringing healing and love to two people who do not actually ask for themselves. No, someone brings them to Jesus for healing. Let’s be the kind of people who bring others to Jesus for the healing of mind, body and soul.
Introduction
James tells us to stop showing favoritism in the assembly, treating the rich visitor with more honor than the poor one. Jesus himself seems to show partiality in his first response to the Syrophoenician woman in today’s gospel. Was he testing her faith in saying Gentiles don’t deserve the goods meant for God’s children? Or was he speaking out of his human worldview, but transcended those limits when she took him by surprise with her reply? Either way, the story tells us that God shows no partiality. Everyone who brings a need to Jesus is received with equal honor as a child and heir.
