TWELFTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

PROPER 15

View from the Pew

This week's Gospel (Matthew 15:10–28) presents two powerful lessons that challenge and encourage us in our Christian journey: the importance of a pure heart and the power of unwavering faith.



Jesus first reminds us that true holiness is not measured by outward appearances or religious rituals, but by the condition of our hearts.  He teaches that it is not what enters the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out of it, for our words and actions reveal what is stored within our hearts.  As Proverbs 4:23 wisely counsels, “Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life." Our speech can either build up or tear down, heal or wound.  James 3:10 reminds us that "From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this ought not to be so." As followers of Christ, we are called to cultivate hearts filled with love, compassion, forgiveness, humility, and truth so that our words become a blessing to others and a witness to God's transforming grace.

The Gospel then introduces us to the Canaanite woman, whose remarkable faith continues to inspire believers today. Although she was an outsider and initially met with silence and what appeared to be rejection, she refused to give up. Instead, she approached Jesus with humility, persistence, and complete confidence in His mercy. Her response demonstrated a faith that trusted not in her own worthiness but in the boundless compassion of Christ.  Jesus ultimately declared, "Woman, great is your faith!" and her daughter was healed instantly.

Her example reminds us that faith is often tested before it is strengthened. Hebrews 11:6 assures us that God rewards those who earnestly seek Him, while James 1:6 encourages us to ask in faith without doubting. Even when God's timing differs from our expectations or His silence seems overwhelming, we are called to persevere, trusting that He is always at work for our good.

As we journey through this week, may we examine our hearts, seeking God's grace to remove anything that dishonours Him. May our words reflect the love of Christ, in keeping with Ephesians 4:29, which calls us to speak only what builds others up. And may we approach every challenge with steadfast faith, remembering that "The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth" (Psalm 145:18).

May our lives be marked by hearts transformed by Christ and a faith that never gives up, bringing glory to God in all that we say and do.

Colin Barnett

Rector’s Warden

St. Philip’s Church