Scripture Readings: James 2:1-10 & Mark 7:24-37
Mark 7 emphasizes the mission and inclusion of the Gentiles in God’s plan of salvation. By using the example of the Syrophoenician woman, Mark shows the gospel of God’s love is not limited to a specific country and wants Gentile readers to realize that the good news is also for them.
The story of the woman demonstrates Jesus’ openness to those considered outsiders. When the woman’s little daughter was possessed by an impure spirit, she came and fell at Jesus’ feet and begged Him to drive the demon out of her daughter.
This woman faced discrimination and disrespect in the socio-cultural context of her time, amongst many other prejudices, but she did not give up, she cried out to Jesus in faith, changed her situation from exclusion to inclusion, and received the gift of healing from Jesus.
Despite cultural and religious boundaries, Jesus responds to her faith, showing that God’s grace is not limited by ethnicity or status. The woman’s faith is commended by Jesus, showing that faith, not social status, is what matters to God. As faith transcends societal barriers, we are called to extend grace and compassion to all in Christ, regardless of background.
In verse 31, there some people brought to Jesus a man who was deaf and could hardly talk, and they begged Jesus to place his hand on him. Jesus responded with compassion to their faith.
In verses 33-35, Jesus took the man away from the crowd so the healing would be private, and the man would not attract public attention. Then Jesus communicated with him in a way that he could understand. He meets us where we are so he can take us where he wants us to go. Notice that Jesus placed his fingers in the man’s ears and looked up to heaven, then gave a deep sigh. This showed the incredible empathy of Jesus. He not only felt for him-he felt with him. Jesus prayed in Aramaic with one-word Ephphatha – which means “be opened.” Our healing Jesus wants to open our ears and mouth.
Mark felt the need to explain this to his Roman readers. Jesus’ prayer was answered immediately. This man’s ears were opened, his tongue was loosed, and his speech impediment was gone. This miracle is recorded only in Mark. Mark’s Gentile readers could rejoice because the good news was for them as well.
Jesus’ healing of the man shows His power and compassion and brings wholeness and restoration. May we recognize Jesus as the source of healing and wholeness in our lives and communities and seek His intervention in our struggles.
In James 2, verses 8 and 9 say, “If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, love your neighbour as yourself, you are doing right. But if you show favouritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers.”
James warns against showing favouritism, particularly in the church, where everyone should be treated with equal respect and dignity. Favouritism or discrimination contradicts the faith in Christ, who welcomed all. May we reject favouritism or discrimination in our lives and in our communities. A lot of prejudice and discrimination are still rampant in the world, but may we also examine our own or worldly biases and treat everyone with the love and respect that reflects Christ’s impartiality.
James 2 calls believers to fulfill the royal law of loving one’s neighbour as oneself. This love must be inclusive and without discrimination, reflecting the love of God for all people. May we live out this royal law in practical ways, showing love and kindness to all, regardless of their social or economic status. It emphasizes that true faith is impartial and unites us as believers.
Both Scripture readings challenge the cultural and social barriers of their time. In Mark, Jesus crosses ethnic boundaries by healing a Gentile woman’s daughter and a man from the Decapolis. James challenges the church to break down social barriers by rejecting favouritism. The Gospel calls us to break down barriers and to welcome all people, reflecting God’s inclusive love.
In both texts, the importance of faith is emphasised in creating a community where all are valued and loved. God invites us to the call to love and compassion. Jesus’ healing actions in Mark are driven by compassion, and James’ call to avoid favouritism is rooted in the command to love one’s neighbour. May we embody Christ’s love and compassion in our daily interactions, showing no partiality but loving others as Jesus loves us.
In James 2, the phrase “you are doing right” in verse 8 reminds me of our church members serving and loving one another. In the season of creation, this invites us to extend love and care not only to our neighbours but to all of God’s creation. Every part of nature reflects God’s goodness, and our response should be one of respect, protection, and justice. “Doing right” means loving creation and community and ensuring that our actions contribute to the restoration and flourishing of the world, making choices that prioritize sustainability, fairness, and the well-being of future generations.
In Mark 7, Jesus’ encounters with the Syrophoenician woman and the deaf man reveal His openness to heal and restore beyond cultural boundaries. His actions exemplify inclusion and mercy. Just as Jesus responded to the needs of people from different backgrounds, we too are called to restore relationships – with one another and with the natural world. By working for climate action or justice, we show that we value creation as God’s gift, deserving of restoration and care. In our communities, may we build relationships of trust and mutual respect, reflecting the kingdom of God where all are welcome.
When we work for the renewal of creation, there is joy. Like the laughter that springs from deep connection with one another, climate action and efforts toward sustainability can bring hope, joy, and a sense of shared purpose. Jesus’ healing work led to rejoicing, and so does our care for the people and animals and the earth. Taking part in creation care allows us to join in the laughter and joy of God’s restorative work in the world. May we experience laughter and joy in our relationships and in the restoration of Creation and may laughter overflow into our communities of faith and our lives.
James 2 reminds us that faith without works is dead. “Doing right” is not just about what we believe but how we live out our faith through our actions, including our efforts to heal the planet and care for those who are marginalized by discrimination, favouritism, and environmental damage. Whether it’s through small acts of kindness toward others or larger efforts for God’s creation, we are called to actively participate in God’s redemptive plan for creation and humanity.
No one is perfect, however, before God, I truly appreciate that you are doing right and showing action in faith. Doing right, in the context of creation and relationships, is about aligning our lives with God’s heart for justice, healing, and restoration. It’s about living out our faith through love – for our neighbours, for the earth, and for all that God has made. May we “do right” in our personal and collective lives by restoring broken relationships, both with people and the environment.
Today we see faith breaking down barriers and acting as a unifying force among communities and countless relationships. May we respond to inclusivity, faith, and the call to love others and God’s creation without discrimination.
Thanks be to God. Amen.
(Ref. Bible, commentaries, theological books, UCA materials)