Sermon for Reminiscere, 2026
- Mar 1
- 1 min read
Who are we? Poor, miserable sinners, who go our ways in this world so easily forgetful of who we are and where we belong. We belong with the Canaanite woman: below the bottom rung, in the lowest place. That is where we belong.
And then, from the depths of that place, to share company with the Canaanite woman and cry nevertheless, “Lord, help me!” And to cry, “Truth, Lord. What You say about me, what I deserve and do not merit and have not earned and am not worthy to have at all.” To say, “The little dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table. Is that not enough for me? Of course it is.”
And Jesus affirms this faith and this humility, finally saying, “O woman, great is your faith!”
This is faith: beginning in abject humility and poverty, remaining there, crying for mercy. Not claiming a place, yet not departing: trusting that what He gives is enough. For what He gives is the forgiveness of sins. In Holy Baptism, He placed His Name upon you and clothed you with His righteousness. That is why you belong here. Not because you claimed a place; because He gave one.
Readings:
Old Testament: Genesis 32:22-32
Epistle: 1 Thessalonians 4:1-7
Holy Gospel: Matthew 15:21-28
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