Lessons for February 21-27

 Daily Lectionary

Second Sunday in Lent Genesis 16:1–9, 15—17:22; Mark 6:1–13
Monday Genesis 18:1–15; Mark 6:14–34
Tuesday Genesis 21:1–21; Mark 6:35–56
Wednesday Genesis 22:1–19; Mark 7:1–23
Thursday Genesis 24:1–31; Mark 7:24–37
Friday Genesis 24:32–52, 61–67; Mark 8:1–21
Saturday Genesis 27:1–29; Mark 8:22–38

Reminiscere—The Second Sunday In Lent

Jacob wrestled with God; he would not let Him go until he received a blessing from Him. (Genesis 32:22–32) So it was with the Canaanite woman. Though Jesus seemed to ignore and reject her, yet she continued to call upon His name and look to Him for help. (Matthew 15:21–28) Even when the Lord called her a little dog, she held on to Him in faith and would not let Him wriggle out of His words: ―Yet even the little dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their masters‘ table.‖ This Gentile woman shows herself to be a true Israelite, who struggles with God and man in Christ and prevails. ―O woman, great is your faith! Let it be to you as you desire.‖ This is the sanctifying will of God, (1 Thessalonians 4:1–7) to test your faith in order that it may be refined and strengthened. For tribulation produces perseverance; perseverance, character; character, hope. And hope in Christ does not disappoint. (Romans 5:1–5)

Collect
O God, our heavenly Father, seeing that of ourselves we have no strength, keep us both outwardly and inwardly that we may be defended from all adversities that may happen to the body and from all evil thoughts that may assault and hurt the soul; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Lessons
Old Testament: Genesis 32:22–32 [Jacob wrestles with God]
Epistle: 1 Thessalonians 4:1–7 [God‘s calls us to be holy]
Holy Gospel: Matthew 15:21–28 [Canaanite Woman‘s faith]