B 137 - Pentecost 15 (Proper 18)

Sean Winter joins the co- host chair for Pentecost 15 where we focus on the nature of wisdom literature in  Proverbs (Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23) and the way this tradition is developed christologically by the writer of James (James 2:1-10 (11-13), 14-17). Both readings deal with partiality and favouritism; cautioning the faithful against favouring those who are rich and powerful, at the same time coercing the poor to believe they deserve their lowly status. Jesus’ encounter with the Syrophoenician woman in Mark (Mark 7:24-37) is also about breaking down boundaries, this time between Jew and Gentile. We touch on the way this reading, in particular, challenges colonial understandings of mission.