Texts: Prov 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23; James 2:1-17; Mark 7:24-37

These pose a problem. On a day when our parish is celebrating the start of a new church season, we get three texts that challenge us about our way of thinking.

Our society honours the rich and famous -- "front of the line" treatment! Yet the Proverbs reading warns us against choosing great riches. And James castigates his church for showing favoritism to the rich. The church needs the income from those who are well off, in order to minister to all, including (especially!) those who are not. It is very tempting to favor the wealthy for their ability to contribute to our mission.

The two stories in the Gospel show Jesus pushing the envelope of his mission, ministering in Gentile territory. It is a challenge to any church which tends to see itself as "people like us."

The preacher's challenge? It is tempting on this day to speak some warm fuzzies about "good to see you after the summer." But the texts don't want to go there. They want to challenge the church to look to its behaviour, both to its members, and to those who beyond.