8-Sep-24 (Mark 7:24-30)

Meeting someone new, especially someone who is very different from you can be difficult. Can you think of a time when you met someone who looked different from you... maybe they had different-looking clothes or maybe they spoke differently, maybe even in another language from what you're used to hearing.
What do you think you should do when you meet someone different from what you're used to? [wait for answers]
Jesus had a situation like that in our gospel story for today. He met a Syrian-Phoenician woman from a place quite different from where he lived.
To be honest, their conversation didn't get off to a good start. That sometimes happens when you meet someone different.
But after a while, Jesus was surprised by her. He was surprised by how much faith she had and, in the end, Jesus helped her.
So, when you meet someone different, it may not go well at first, but keep trying. The other person could surprise you and you might just learn something from them.
Let's talk to God about that.
God, we thank you that you that you gave us stories like the one we just heard to remind us that you are everywhere and so everyone, even those very different from us are your children whom you love. Help us to get to know the people we meet, especially those who are different from us. Help us to listen and to learn from them.
We pray in Jesus' name. AMEN