Sermon: August 20, 2023

Reading: Matthew 15: 10-28

As shocking as the encounter between Jesus and the Canaanite woman is, how much more shocking is it when we, disciples of Jesus and representatives of his love, knowingly or unknowingly do the same thing? What do our words and actions tell others about the love of Jesus Christ? Who’s cry for help do we ignore? Who is considered a dog just because it's acceptable by society?

Prejudices and Microaggressions come in all shapes and sizes, and we all do it. It can be an innocent comment with the best of intentions behind it, but we do it. As children of God, we must be aware of our words, and actions, and how they affect others. We must be willing to listen to the experiences of our sisters and brothers, not judging and telling them how they should feel about something. When we listen to the other person’s story and experiences, we better understand our shared human experience. This allows us to deeply connect to our shared humanity and the love of Christ that lies within each and every human being.

In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus exposes an evil that existed in his society and the accepted behavior that accompanied it. The story also rips away and exposes the blatant and veiled evil that exists in our world. In order for evil to be redeemed, it must be revealed so the light of God’s love can shine upon it even if it makes us uncomfortable and shocked, as with today’s Gospel passage.

Jesus, invites and encourages us to proactively engage our diversity so that our communities and humanity may thrive and prosper. We must work together through the love of Jesus Christ to heal those things which seek to divide us.

We are shocked by the interaction between Jesus and the Canaanite woman, but God’s love for all people was demonstrated in the end. Mercy was shown to the woman, and her daughter was healed. The light of God’s love shined through the darkness of racism and exclusivity, demonstrating that those evils can be confronted and transformed. But it must be pursued with awareness, education, understanding, and God’s all-inclusive love, allowing us to form a beloved community that can celebrate our one human family, a family that God treasures above all else; a family that together, can live more faithfully into the image and love of God’s kingdom.