Gospel Reflection: Mark 7: 24-37

Here’s a thoughtful reflection on Mark 7:24-37, the story of the Syrian Phoenician woman who approaches Jesus for help.  It was written by Thom Shuman, and posted on his Prayers4Today blog.

body language

(inspired by Mark 7:24-37)

we stand, 
     our arms folded 
               tightly 
          across our chests, 
   letting folks know 
                      in no 
             uncertain terms 
        where they stand 
        with us, 
                then 
     you accidentallyonpurpose 
          bump into us, so 
       we have to reach out to 
                      them(!) 
             for help; 

putting our stone 
                make-up 
             on, 
     we slowly turn our chairs 
        away from the other, 
   convinced no worthwhile 
                     words 
              will be spoken, 
     until you thump us 
     behind the ears, whispering, 
         'pay attention; 
         this is important!' 

we stand at the desk, 
       scanning the reservations 
   (and ignoring the folded bills 
              held out towards us), 
      replying with ice-cold words, 
   'i'm sorry, you have no 
          reservation . . .' 
                            and 
     you come bustling out of 
       the kitchen, trailing the 
                       crumbs 
             of dinner behind you, 
   shouting, 
      'my mistake!  everyone is 
             welcome; 
    set up more chairs around the 
          table!' 

~ Copyright © 2012 Thom M. Shuman.  Posted on Prayers4Today.  http://prayersfortoday.blogspot.ca/