Reflection on the Word in our Worship
But she came and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, help me.” And he answered, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.” She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.” Then Jesus answered her, “O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed instantly.
-Matthew 15:25-28 (ESV)
The more humble a person is, the more receptive and full he becomes. Hills repel water; valleys are filled up. What did the Lord reply, after the centurion said, “I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof”? He said, “Truly, I say to you, not even in Israel have I found such faith”—that is, among those people to whom I have come, “I have not found such faith.” What is the meaning of the word such? So great. In what way great? To say the least, great in humility. “I have not found such faith”: like a grain of mustard seed—the smaller it is, the more potent it is. -St. Augustine
The Collect of the Week
Keep your Church, O Lord, by your perpetual mercy; and because without you the frailty of our nature causes us to fall, keep us from all things hurtful, and lead us to all things profitable for our salvation; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
The Word:
(Click on the links below to read Sunday's passages)
Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 56:1-8
Psalm 67 (below playlist)
New Testament Reading: Romans 11:13-24
Gospel Reading: Matthew 15:21-28
Psalm 67
1 May God be merciful unto us, and bless us, *
and show us the light of his countenance,
and be merciful unto us.
2 Let your way be known upon earth, *
your saving health among all nations.
3 Let the peoples praise you, O God; *
indeed, let all the peoples praise you.
4 O let the nations rejoice and be glad, *
for you shall judge the peoples righteously,
and govern the nations upon earth.
5 Let the peoples praise you, O God; *
let all the peoples praise you.
6 Then shall the earth bring forth her increase, *
and God, even our own God, shall give us his blessing.
7 God shall bless us, *
and all the ends of the world shall fear him.
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