I have heard that the Canaanite woman is also the Syro-Phonecian woman in the other Gospels. In non-canonical apocryphal literature the woman is identified as Justa or Berenice. Good sermon - thanks for sharing!
Thank you for your words. What a beautiful and necessary message for everyone in today’s troubled and divided world. I appreciate your teaching. You are a blessing.
I’ve often imagined that Jesus recognised something extraordinary in this woman. I wonder whether he gave her the answer she would have expected in those prejudiced, chauvinistic times—but with a twinkle in his eye that told her there was more going on. She certainly had the courage and wit to answer back, and perhaps she caught something in his expression that simply isn’t preserved in the text.
One of the difficulties with reading these stories is that we only have the words. We don’t hear the tone of voice, see the facial expressions, or witness all the human interaction that must have been taking place.
It makes me think of the rich young ruler in Mark’s Gospel. Mark alone tells us that Jesus “looked at him and loved him.” I’ve often found it hard to believe that the young man never came back. That look of love must have stayed with him. Some scholars have even suggested that the young man who fled naked in the Garden of Gethsemane was that same person. We can’t know, of course, but I find it a wonderfully hopeful possibility. Thanks be to God.
Hi Jeremy, I feel in 2 minds here. I think Jesus is stark and this I think related to the reality he was fully human and fully God.. so lots to reflect on, I have focused on this again this week.
I always enjoy your posts, homilies. I’m 91, former missionary, now in Assisted Living.
thanks Beulah, I really appreciate the encouragement.
Thanks Beulah, it’s good to know my posts are helpful.
I have heard that the Canaanite woman is also the Syro-Phonecian woman in the other Gospels. In non-canonical apocryphal literature the woman is identified as Justa or Berenice. Good sermon - thanks for sharing!
Thank you for your words. What a beautiful and necessary message for everyone in today’s troubled and divided world. I appreciate your teaching. You are a blessing.
thanks Alana that means a lot
I’ve often imagined that Jesus recognised something extraordinary in this woman. I wonder whether he gave her the answer she would have expected in those prejudiced, chauvinistic times—but with a twinkle in his eye that told her there was more going on. She certainly had the courage and wit to answer back, and perhaps she caught something in his expression that simply isn’t preserved in the text.
One of the difficulties with reading these stories is that we only have the words. We don’t hear the tone of voice, see the facial expressions, or witness all the human interaction that must have been taking place.
It makes me think of the rich young ruler in Mark’s Gospel. Mark alone tells us that Jesus “looked at him and loved him.” I’ve often found it hard to believe that the young man never came back. That look of love must have stayed with him. Some scholars have even suggested that the young man who fled naked in the Garden of Gethsemane was that same person. We can’t know, of course, but I find it a wonderfully hopeful possibility. Thanks be to God.
Hi Jeremy, I feel in 2 minds here. I think Jesus is stark and this I think related to the reality he was fully human and fully God.. so lots to reflect on, I have focused on this again this week.