St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church

Fr. Jon Griffin — Proper 15A — July 19, 2023

[RCL] Genesis 45:1-15; Psalm 133; Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32; Matthew 15: (10-20), 21-28

Have you ever benefited from another person’s mistake or failure? Paul came to understand that the Jewish peoples’ failure to acknowledge Jesus as the Messiah opened the way for the conversion of the Gentiles. In his letter to the Romans, Paul explains the benefit gained by them by the Jews’ disobedience. Mercy came from another’s failure. However, their failure, as Paul affirms, is not catastrophic, but a means to an end.

The Jewish people will not be forgotten by God or will His purpose and plan for them be annulled. The same mercy bestowed on the Gentiles will, once again, be shown to the Jews. “For the gifts and calling of God are irrevocable” is Paul’s response to his fellow Israelites disobedience. We are all familiar with Joseph’s story. His brothers selling him to some nomadic traders bound for Egypt rather than killing him. The lie to their father to cover their misdeed. The blooded robe of many colors. Joseph serving in Pharoah’s household. His rise to a place of honor, his refusal of his master’s wife’s advances leading her to make false accusation which leads to Joseph’s temporary downfall. Then his redemption and restoration to a place of honor.

As Joseph explains to his brothers, this is all in accordance with God’s plan. Joseph invites his family to come to Egypt and settle in the land of Goshen. This action sets the stage for what is to come – Israelites becoming slaves, Moses, the plagues, the Death Angel, Israelites leaving Egypt, the Red Sea deliverance, and so on. God delivers a people for His purposes. They are to be formed into a nation living under His divine protection and guidance. They are to live under His law. He is to be their God and they His people. All He asks in return is faithfulness and fidelity.

Prior to entering Canaan – the “promised Land” – Joshua delivers a heartfelt speech challenging and encouraging the Israelites to be the nation God intended them to be – to make a choice, A choice that will affect all of them. “But as for me and my house, we shall serve the Lord” Joshua sets the one condition for a successful undertaking. If, as a people, we are faithful to God, God will be with us. If we turn and worship other gods, His blessing and mercy will be removed.

A pattern is set and Israelite history becomes one of times of faithfulness and times of faithlessness. Obedience and disobedience. He punishes them and withdraws His mercy. They repent and return. He forgives and His mercy is restored. This pattern is repeated time and time again. Good kings – bad kings. Serving the Lord God. Serving other gods. Fall of Israel and captivity. Fall of Judah and captivity. Jerusalem and the Temple destroyed. Rebuilding Jerusalem and the temple. Prophets sent from God preaching repentance and forgiveness. Prophets ignored with attending consequences.

The Israelites are in the 1st century AD. Jerusalem and the temple have been restored. The promised Messiah arrives and begins his mission to the lost sheep of Israel. Once again they are asked to choose between obedience and disobedience. Many choose disobedience. The pattern continues. The scene unfolds. Jesus’ dialogue with the Syrophonecian woman – a Canaanite. She intercedes with Jesus on behalf of her daughter. He responds that he has been sent only to the lost sheep of Israel. Undeterred, she begs for help. She will be satisfied with the crumbs that fall from the table. Jesus is astounded by her depth of faith and God’s mercy is extended to the Canaanite woman and her daughter. An epiphany has happened and Jesus realizes his mission has been extended beyond just the lost sheep of Israel.

And so we come full circle. The lost sheeps disobedience – their refusal to acknowledge Jesus as the Messiah has broadened the scope of his ministry. He has come to extend God’s mercy to all who accept him. Thus we all benefit from this woman’s faith. An outcast becomes a catalyst. When we say “Lord, have mercy”, we are following in the footsteps of the Canaanite woman. We too can eat from the table and not settle for the crumbs. When each of you receives the food from God’s table today, remember this woman’s relentless quest to be heard and fed. As her daughter received mercy because of her faith, may we also receive mercy not only for ourselves but more importantly for those we love.

Amen.