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PREPARING FOR NEXT WEEK

MONDAY

Isaiah 38:10-20

TUESDAY​

Hebrews 12:3-13

WEDNESDAY

Matthew 17:14-21

THURSDAY

commemoration of John Chrysostom, Bishop of Constantinople, 407

Psalm 116:1-9

FRIDAY

Holy Cross Day

John 3:13-17

SATURDAY

Matthew 21:23-32

17TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

commemoration of Cyprian, Bishop of Carthage, martyr, c. 258

Isaiah 50:4-9a; Psalm 116:1-9; James 3:1-12; Mark 8:27-38

​​​​​​​​​​​​​SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 9TH, 2018

16TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
James tells us to stop showing favoritism in the assembly, treating the rich visitor with more honor

than the poor one. Jesus himself seems to show partiality in his first response to the Syrophoenician

woman in today's gospel. Was he testing her faith in saying Gentiles don't deserve the goods meant for

God's children? Or was he speaking out of his human woldview, but transcended those limits when she

took him by surprise with her reply? Either way, the story tells us that God shows no partiality.

Everyone who brings her or his need to Jesus is received with equal honor as a child and heir.

PRAYER OF THE DAY

Gracious God, throughout the ages you transform sickness into health and death into life.

Open us to the power of your presence, and make us a people ready to proclaim your

promises to the whole world, through Jesus Christ, our healer and Lord.

AMEN.

FIRST READING

ISAIAH 35:4-7A

These verses are a word of hope to the exiles in Babylon. Chapter 34 portrays God's vengeance

on Edom, Israel's age-old enemy, which makes the path from Babylon to Zion safe for the

exiles' return. The desert itself will flow with water to give drink to the returning exiles.

PLEASE REFER TO YOUR BIBLE FOR THE READING.
​
PSALM
PSALM 146; REFRAIN, PS. 146:2

I will praise the Lord as long as I live.
PLEASE REFER TO YOUR BIBLE FOR THE READING.

SECOND READING

JAMES 2:1-10 (11-13) 14-17
Faithful Christians do not show partiality to the rich and powerful of the world, especially at

the expense of the poor and weak. Likewise, faith does not pay mere lip-service to God's will. Instead,

a living Christian faith expresses itself in acts of compassion and mercy for those in need.

PLEASE REFER TO YOUR BIBLE FOR THE READING.

GOSPEL

MARK 7:24-37

In Mark's gospel, encounters with women usually signify turning points in Jesus' ministry. Here, a

conversation with a Syrophoenician woman marks the beginning of his mission to the Gentiles.

PLEASE REFER TO YOUR BIBLE FOR THE READING.