Jesus Listened Mark 7:24-37 In today’s sermon, Father Mark delves into the challenging gospel passage where Jesus encounters a Syrophoenician woman who pleads for her daughter’s healing. Initially, Jesus responds with a harsh dismissal, referring to the woman as a “dog,” which reflects the prejudices of his time. However, the woman’s persistent faith leads Jesus to reconsider, and he heals her daughter. Father Mark explores the idea that even Jesus, in his humanity, was shaped by his cultural upbringing and was capable of growth. This growth is exemplified in Jesus’ ability to change his mind, shedding his “shell” of cultural and religious bias, much like a lobster must shed its shell to grow. Father Mark emphasizes the importance of being open to change and growth, even for Jesus. He challenges the congregation to embrace the possibility of lifelong learning and transformation, often through unexpected people and situations. By highlighting Jesus’ willingness to repent and be changed by the Syrophoenician woman, Father Mark calls on us to remain humble, open to new ideas, and willing to shed our own rigid preconceptions. Scripture quotations are from New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.