“From that place he went off to the district of Tyre. He entered a house and wanted no one to know about it, but he could not escape notice.” (Mark 7:24)
Origen of Alexandria comments on this verse from the Gospel proclaimed at Mass today:
“He withdrew, perhaps because the Pharisees were offended when they heard that “What comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this is what defiles.” It is probable that he sought to avoid the Pharisees, who were offended at his teaching, while he was waiting for the time of his impending suffering — a time suitably and duly appointed. The Gentiles, those who dwell on the borders, can be saved if they believe. Think of it this way: each of us when he sins is living on the borders of Tyre or Sidon or of Pharaoh and Egypt. They are on the borders of those who are outside the inheritance of God.” (Commentary on Matthew, 11)
Grant us, O merciful God,
protection in our weakness, that we, who keep
the memorial of the Immaculate Mother of God,
may, with the help of her intercession,
rise up from our iniquities.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son,
Who lives and reigns with You
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
Glory to You Father, Son and Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning is now
and will be forever. Amen!
as it was in the beginning is now
and will be forever. Amen!
