GOSPEL READING
THE GOSPEL OF MARK
Jesus and the Syrophoenician Woman, 7,24-30
For a background story, see 1 Kings 17,8-24
Compare Mark's account with Matthew's (Mt 15,21-28). There are three significant differences which we can note for our reading of Mark's version.
This incident is set in Tyre, a city state traditionally linked with Sidon (7,31). What is the significance of Jesus going there and who goes with him? Why does he want to escape notice?
What is the social status of the woman with regard to Jesus? Why is the NRSV translation (7,26) faulty? How is this incident linked to the preceeding controversy (7,1-23)?
Look at various translations of verse 27 as a key word is often given a different translation. What can be said of Jesus' reaction in verse 27 and how does the woman respond in verse 28? What does she call Jesus in verse 28?
Does the woman's response in verses 29 and 30 remind you of another healing earlier in the Gospel?
What is the result of this incident for Jesus?
Now have a look at my response.
The Sunday Gospel
The story of Jesus and the Syrophoenician Woman is not included in the Year B Sunday readings. This may be because the story is heard on the 20th Sunday in Year A, Mt 15,21-28. We have seen that the two versions are quite different.
We are now ready for our next page, the healing of deaf man, 7,31-37.