“We are not worthy even to gather up the crumbs under your table,
but it is your nature always to have mercy and on that we depend”
Sunday’s Gospel (the healing of the Canaanite woman’s daughter, Mt. 15:21-28) has some troubling language, however we read it. It does end, though, with Jesus commending the woman’s faith in stronger terms than anyone else in the Gospel, apart from the Centurion (Mt. 8:10).
Interestingly the prayer of “Humble Access” that we say before Holy Communion has a line (see above) in part inspired by this story. I am sure that you feel spiritually famished given that we’ve not celebrated the Lord’s Supper since March. We long even for “scraps” from the Table.
There is good news. We have ordered pre-packed Holy Communion cups and wafers. The elements will be blessed at a Holy Communion service celebrated by the office staff. Then we’ll make them available to you at a “drive through” on the first Sunday of September (or for collection[1] earlier in the week)[2].
God Bless,
Sean
[1] We’ll add instructions and a short liturgy for you to use when sharing in this form of “extended communion”.
[2] We do something similar every Holy Communion Sunday. We set aside wafers and grape juice from the Table for our ministers and pastoral care team to share with folk who are unable to attend worship.