I rejoice that women were instrumental in some important, history making, pivotal moments in the gospels. A few weeks ago, the lectionary text was the story of the wedding in Cana (John 2) attended by Jesus and the disciples. Part of my blog noted the significance of the conversation between mother and son —
I quote:
As always when reading this text, what fascinates me is the conversation between Jesus and his mother. It is a significant part of the account and as such would seem to be important. When the wine ran out it was Jesus to whom his mother turned. She told him there was no wine. Jesus is recorded as saying it was no concern of his as “My hour has not yet come.”
It is a strange retort. Obviously, Jesus knew that his mother was expecting a miraculous intervention but seems reluctant to reveal who he was. It seems, Jesus would be happy to remain in anonymity.
Yet, it seems that his mother knew best! She knew it was time for the ministry to begin and her words and actions revealed it to Jesus. She did it quietly and calmly. She simply ignored his protestation that it was not his hour and told the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” (“Cracks are Appearing”, January 24 2020)
It was a pivotal moment. It unlocked the ministry of Jesus — life changed and history was made.
Today’s text is another such pivotal moment (Mark 7: 24-end). A Syrophoenician woman came to Jesus to seek healing for her daughter. Jesus’ response was harsh, “It is not fair to take the children’s food and throw it to the dogs.”
I have heard many attempts to mediate this phrase. I have read suggestions such as Jesus didn’t really mean it and it was only said to test the faith of the woman. Personally, I don’t like the idea that unpalatable passages are explained away. Sometimes things in the Bible are simply not good and we need to accept and deal with that. I think Jesus’ response here was one of those times. Jesus was focused on his mission to the Jewish people and treated the Syrophoenician woman with contempt. I think it is important, particularly in the current climate, to acknowledge what really happened here. It is an example of racism.
Happily, the story does not end there. The Syrophoenician woman was not cowed. She did not allow the comment to pass uncontested. I am full of admiration for her and the courage she displayed. She challenged the narrowness of Jesus’ mission. “Sir, even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.”
The challenge was met and change happened. The woman was instructed to return home as her daughter was healed. It was a pivotal moment — life changed and history was made.
Once again, a woman — who in this story remained unnamed — was instrumental in revealing to Jesus a significant change. A woman was given voice to speak the message of inclusion for all. I cannot express the enormity of the significance of this short story. Although, I’m not going to dwell on it today, but the completion of today’s text illustrates that the change was immediate.
A woman ushered in this pivotal moment in history. Nothing would ever be the same. This event, this story, allowed the Apostle Paul to pen the words “There is neither Jew nor Gentile …”.
Everything changed — all are welcomed and received.
