Sharing Crumbs

The biblical story of the Canaanite woman who approached Jesus seeking healing for her daughter illustrated the kind of “faith” we need today. (Matthew 15:21-28)  Here is how the dialogue went:

Jesus:  I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
Woman:  Lord, help me
Jesus:  It is not fair to take the children's food and throw it to the dogs.
Woman: Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table.
Jesus: Woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.

The faith of this woman was her ability to get even Jesus to think outside of the box of cultural, societal and political limits.  She challenged Jesus to move beyond thinking that he was a Jewish teacher/healer and therefore, he could only heal Jews.  She convinced Jesus that even what he considered “crumbs” could be the beginning of extending his healing ministry to all nations.

In the midst of international conflicts over who controls which piece of land, who belongs to which country, and what resource belongs to whom, where are the faithful people, like this woman, who confront the powerful with the basic message of abundance?  The message is: There is enough if only we share just our crumbs.  When are we going to realize that this earth has enough land for everyone on earth to have a safe home? When are we going to grasp the fact that the earth produces enough food to feed everyone on earth?  All we need to do is to stop protecting, stop fighting and start sharing!

Upcoming Opportunities to Study with The Sustainist and learn more about Holy Conferencing: September 3-4, 2014 Chicago, IL KI Catalyst (Facilitator) Training November 16-20, 2014 Memphis, TN Holy Currencies: Creating Sustainable Missional Ministries March 19-24, 2015 Los Angeles, CA Gracious Leadership Training Holy Currencies: Creating Sustainable Missional Ministries KI Catalyst (Facilitator) Training July 20-25, 2015 Los Angeles, CA Gracious Leadership Training Holy Currencies: Creating Sustainable Missional Ministries KI Catalyst (Facilitator) Training Register at:  www.kscopeinstitute.org

Reflection Questions for Proper 15 (Year A) Genesis 45:1-15    What does the story of Joseph teach you about God’s plan? Psalm 133  How does God ordain the blessing in you and your community? Isaiah 56:1, 6-8   Where does it mean to be part of the house of prayer for all peoples? Psalm 67   How do we bring saving health among all nations? Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32   What does the irrevocability of God’s gifts and calling mean to you? Matthew 15:21-28   What do you learn from this passage about faith and rules?

Eric H. F. Law
Kaleidoscope Institute
For competent leadership in a diverse changing world
www.kscopeinstitute.org