October 4 - Matthew 15:21-28 & Mark 8:34-9:1 (the readings)

This being the Sunday after the Elevation of the Cross, there are two sets of Scripture readings assigned for the Liturgy - one for the 17th Sunday after Pentecost and the other for the Sunday after the Elevation.

17th Sunday after Pentecost

​IN THOSE DAYS, Jesus went away to the region of Tyre and Sidon. And behold, a woman of Canaan came out from that region and cried out to Him, saying, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David. My daughter is tormented by a demon.” But He did not answer her at all. And His disciples came and urged Him, saying, “Send her away, for she keeps shouting after us.” But He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” Then she came and worshipped (literally – knelt before) Him, saying, “Lord, help me.” And He answered, “It is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.” She replied, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.” Then Jesus answered her, “Woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed at that very hour.

Sunday after the Elevation

THE LORD SAID, “Whoever desires to become My followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow Me. For whoever desires to save their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for My sake, and for the sake of the Gospel, will save it. For what will it profit them to gain the whole world and lose their own soul? Indeed, what can they give in exchange for their soul? For whoever is ashamed of Me and of My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of them the Son of Man will also be ashamed when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels. Truly I tell you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see that the Kingdom of God has come in power.”