Cast Out Demons of Dishonour

Cast Out Demons of Dishonour
Pentecost 16; James 2:1-10, 14-17; Mark 7:24-37
You shall love your neighbour
as yourself,
yet we project unrecognized shadows
onto others,
or make distinctions that favour the rich,
dishonour the poor.

Historic grievances are ruins that drop
harm like bombs.
Demonizing difference spreads disease
through generations,
absorbed like pollution from the environment
and now from social media.

Even Jesus, vulnerable human, gone to Tyre
to escape notice,
defensively mouthed his culture’s prejudice,
speaking rudely
to the Syrophoenician woman, seeking
healing for daughter’s torment.

Yet Jesus showed the way of self-searching
that faces the shame
of rash judgement, acknowledges true words
heard and respected.
Brave challenge cast out demons of dishonour,
healing healer and child.
	Barbara Messner 5/09/2024