Humble Access - March 11

Today’s Readings: AM Psalm 89:1-18; PM Psalm 89:19-52; Gen. 49:1-28; 1 Cor. 10:14-11:1; Mark 7:24-37

 I’ve always struggled with this Gospel text.  I can remember the first time I read this text as a Deacon, proclaiming it from the center of my congregation on a Sunday shortly after being ordained.  The Syrophoenician woman seems to be compared to a dog who eats up the crumbs under the table, and she seems to embrace this role.  It was hard to read.  I don’t remember the sermon I preached but I do remember my discomfort with the text. 

Last week, I went to visit some old friends to share in Holy Communion in their home as hospice care was being called in.  It felt right to do Holy Eucharist, Rite I, a prayer with the origins from the 1928 Prayer Book. These are the prayers with the old language which has not been a practice at Saint Stephen’s.  It has been several years since I have used this language in worship.

After the Eucharistic Prayer and before the distribution of communion, there is a prayer that can be recited called the Prayer of Humble Access. We read it together, with one friend reciting it from memory.

We do not presume to come to this thy Table, O merciful Lord, trusting in our own righteousness, but in thy manifold and great mercies. We are not worthy so much as to gather up the crumbs under thy Table. But thou art the same Lord whose property is always to have mercy. Grant us therefore, gracious Lord, so to eat the flesh of thy dear Son Jesus Christ, and to drink his blood, that we may evermore dwell in him, and he in us. Amen. (page 337)

It's a beautiful prayer, and I’m grateful for the prayer to remind me of the mercy of God and the humility we are called to have, and it helps me to read our Gospel text today.  This prayer is how I make sense of our Gospel text.  Sometimes prayer can help us sit with what isn’t comfortable, and I’m grateful for the Prayer of Humble Access.  What prayer do you need to sit with the readings that you find challenging? Is there scripture you struggle with?

John+

Questions for Self-Reflection:  What scriptures have you struggled with over time?  How have you become more comfortable with those scriptures?