Thirty-Second Sunday after Pentecost
Thinking that we are holy enough or trying to get holy enough to deserve God's mercy is a dead end. Instead Jesus reaches out to the worst of sinners and then makes them holy. Penance follows grace rather than precedes it, as both Paul and the narrative of the Canaanite woman point out.
Title
Outline
We continually come across those who think that they need to clean up their act or change themselves to find salvation
Paul teaches “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”
Our Gospel puts this into narrative
What are our lessons?
Readings
(31st Sunday, Slavic)
1 Timothy 1:15–17
15 The saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. And I am the foremost of sinners; 16 but I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience for an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life. 17 To the King of ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
GOSPEL
Option A
(17th Sunday, Greek)
Matthew 15:21–28
21 And Jesus went away from there and withdrew to the district of Tyre and Sidon. 22 And behold, a Canaanite woman from that region came out and cried, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David; my daughter is severely possessed by a demon.” 23 But he did not answer her a word. And his disciples came and begged him, saying, “Send her away, for she is crying after us.” 24 He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” 25 But she came and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, help me.” 26 And he answered, “It is not fair to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.” 27 She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.” 28 Then Jesus answered her, “O woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed instantly.
Notes
THIRTY-SECOND SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
Matins Gospel John 21:1–14
Epistle 1 Timothy 4:9–15 (32nd Sunday, Greek) or 1 Timothy 1:15–17 (31st Sunday, Slavic)
Gospel Matthew 15:21–28 (17th Sunday, Greek) or Luke 19:1–10 (32nd Sunday, Slavic)