Crossing Boundaries for Healing

 

Eucharist Mark 7:24-30

Crossing Boundaries for Healing

Take notice of the picture: a vulnerable child, hurting, frightened, powerless and in need.

 

 

 

The Revd Professor James Woodward is Principal of Sarum College. He delivered this sermon on 23 August 2024 for the final Eucharist service of the 2024 Summer School.

This is taking place in a place of contested boundaries and the visions were distinct groups marked by language, dress and colour live uneasily with each other. It’s a place where gentiles live and who are often referred to as dogs. Boundaries were part of their world as they are ours today.

Three thoughts: we note the boldness, we see what she recognised – the saving power of Jesus, and we are invited into asking ourselves what boundaries we may need to cross to embody inclusion?

This woman is bold.

Jesus wanted rest and you’ll sympathise with that need today. He had been on a retreat of sorts and weary as he and his friends had tried to escape the crowds. The Syro-Phoenician woman heard that Jesus was near. We do not know what she had heard about him but she was sure that he could do something about her sick and vulnerable child. With every fibre of her being she loves that child and wants the child to be healed. Note her boldness. Recognise her vulnerability. See how she speaks for one who has no voice.

This woman recognises Jesus.

She knows who Jesus is. She knows that he can heal. She has heard stories about him and deep in her heart she knows his power that she needs for her child. She asks; he replies. He wants peace and she wants healing. His dismissal is not the final word. Even a crumb. Please a crumb. A boundary is crossed for healing.The child is restored.

What boundaries do you need to cross for inclusion and healing?

This outsider crossed a boundary and in the boldness, was included and her daughter healed. God is merciful and helps us often when we are not aware. This is not just about a child restored to health and a woman’s boldness and recognition. It is an invitation to create a better world where there is no room for exclusionary politics or theology in our behaviour, our life or our culture. This boundary-crossing Kingdom of God includes everyone, all parts of our life, the whole of creation, every single atom of complex glorious humanity.

So, my friends, will you speak up for those who have no voice? Will you be a voice for the voiceless? How will your small acts of mind and heart and hands change the world?

Just as the crumb can change another’s life do not underestimate your power to change especially when it comes in the broken body of Christ, the bread of life. In this Eucharist, feed on him. Listen to his call. Have the courage to cross the boundary. Be the love he calls you to share, lavishly, generously, generatively.