Jesus - Both Human and Divine
Jesus, being fully human, travelled from Capernaum to the Gentile area of Tyre. Following a discussion with the Pharisees over purity laws, specifically the dietary rules that determined whether food was clean or unclean, with one sweeping pronouncement, Jesus declared the whole system irrelevant. He said that uncleanness had nothing to do with what a man takes into his body, but everything to do with what comes out of his heart. (Mark 7:14-23) That must have been an exhausting exchange. After that and a long trip of walking along with the crowds, Jesus required a time of rest. However, reports of his healing ability had spread and a Syrophoenician woman, a Gentile, arrived and begged him to heal her daughter who was possessed by an evil spirit (Mark 7:24-30). He rebuked her and denied her request, saying that he had come to feed the children (Jews) and not the dogs (Gentiles). Dogs were unclean animals, and to be called a dog was an insult. But the woman continued to press her case, replying that even the dogs are allowed the children's leftovers. She did not challenge the priority of the Jews, but pointed to the claims of the Gentiles. Jesus then changed his mind, accepted the woman's argument, and declared that her daughter had been healed because of her statement (Mark 7:29). When the woman returned home, her child was in bed and the evil spirit was gone.
In summary, “He gets tired. He needs rest. A woman intrudes and annoys him persistently. He takes a stance, listens, then changes his mind and heals the woman's daughter. Thus he is fully human and fully divine."[i]
I find that I can relate to the humanity of Christ and thus believe in a personal way that is helpful in my life's journey. In His divinity, I am reminded that the Lord loves me and forgives me. I am grateful that He has allowed me to serve as a priest in His church for 46 years.
Let us pray: "O God, the strength of the weak and the comfort of sufferers: Mercifully accept our prayers and grant to thy servants the help of thy power; that their sickness may be turned into health, and our sorrow into joy; through. Jesus Christ our Lord."[ii]
[i] Forward Day by Day Feb.-April 2022 p.58
[ii] Prayers for Every Occasion
