The ever--expanding circle of God's love
Preaching
Lectionary Preaching Workbook
Series V, Cycle A
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS
Lesson 1: Genesis 45:1--15 (C)
Joseph reveals himself to his brothers, who have come to Egypt to secure food during the famine. Rather than seeking revenge, he sees God's gracious hand in his brothers' treachery. Joseph openly wept for joy and reveals his plan to provide for his entire family in Egypt. This ends the cycle of stories from Genesis.
Lesson 1: Isaiah 56:1, 6--7 (RC); Isaiah 56:1 (2--5) 6--7 (E); Isaiah 56:1, 6--8 (L)
The prophet foresees a time when foreigners would be included in God's covenant. God's holy temple will be a house for all peoples (v. 7).
Lesson 2: Romans 11:1--2a, 29--32 (C); Romans 11:13--15, 29--32 (RC, E, L)
Paul identifies himself as the apostle to the Gentiles. The Jews have rejected Christ and so the gospel has been extended to the Gentiles. This does not indicate that God has rejected his people, for God's call is irrevocable. It is through the same gospel that the Jews will come to Christ. It is God's intention to shower his mercy on all people.
Gospel: Matthew 15:(10--20) 21--28 (C); Matthew 15:21--28 (RC, E, L)
Jesus and his disciples leave the land of Israel for the region of Tyre and Sidon, northwest of Galilee on the Mediterranean coast. Perhaps Jesus is seeking some rest. His fame precedes him, as a Canaanite woman comes shrieking after them that he should heal her daughter, possessed by a demon. She addresses Jesus as the Jewish Messiah, ''Son of David'' (v. 22). Jesus acts as if she were not there but she persists in seeking his help. The disciples want her dispatched quickly. Jesus responds that he was only sent to the Jews. This correctly defined the scope of his earthly mission. Then, she kneels before him and begs: ''Lord, help me'' (v. 25). The next part of the encounter is what really disturbs a lot of people, because Jesus seems offensive and cruel. He said, ''It is not fair to take the children's bread and give it to the dogs'' (v. 26). The woman will not be put off: ''Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table'' (v. 27).
Some have tried to take the sting away by changing 'dogs'' to ''little puppies.'' They point out that he may have been employing a little humor, that he is likening her to a puppy yapping at his heels. Others contend that he was merely testing the woman's faith or that of the disciples. I find all of these interpretations lacking. The point of our interpretation should
268
not be to justify the words of Jesus but to show the happy outcome of one who has a persistent faith. This desperate woman sparred with the Lord and won. She conquered him with her unsinkable faith. Jesus commended her faith and instantly healed her daughter. Whether they be outsider or insider, Jew or Gentile, Christ stands ready to help those who cry out to him in faith.
Psalm Of The Day
Psalm 133 (C) - ''How very good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity'' (v. 1).
Psalm 67 (RC, E, L) - ''Let the people praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you'' (v. 5).
Prayer Of The Day
Gracious God, we, your needy children, cry out to you for help, not on the basis of race or class or sex, but because of your great love for all your children. Lord, have mercy upon us all! In Jesus' name. Amen.
THEOLOGICAL REFLECTION ON THE LESSONS
Lesson 1: Genesis 45:1--15
A cry of joy rather than a cry for blood. When Joseph observed his brothers standing before him, he could not contain himself; he cried loudly. Considering that his brothers sold him into slavery, one might think that he would cry out for vengeance. Not Joseph: he cried for joy at the prospect of being reunited with his family.
Let bygones be. Joseph told his brothers not to be angry with themselves for what they had done to him (v. 5). God was able to use their evil for good. Besides, one cannot change the past. We must stand ready to let go of our mistakes and move on.
Move closer. The brothers stood at a distance, not only out of deference to Joseph's exalted position, but because they were afraid and full of guilt. Fear and guilt keep us apart from one another and from God. Joseph bid them to come closer (v. 4). A forgiving spirit draws us closer to our God and to one another.
Lesson 1: Isaiah 56:1 (2--5) 6--8
Good news for outcasts. This lesson speaks to two sets of outcasts. The Israelites were outcasts and God was promising to bring them back to their homeland and the holy city. The Gentiles were also outcasts, as far as the Jews were concerned. The prophet foresees a time when they will be part of the family of God, ministering to the Lord and worshipping him in the holy temple. Both Jew and Gentile, those on the inside and those on the outside, are outcasts. The common denominator is sin. God intends to gather all who desire to be a part of God's covenant people (v. 8).
Joyful worship. Isaiah proclaims that those who assemble in God's house of prayer will be joyful in their worship. The heart of worship is praise and thanksgiving, as we respond to God's gracious acts of liberation. How unfortunate that so many people picture worship as something perfunctory, dull and boring.
The gathering place. The Lutheran Church developed an outreach emphasis titled: The Welcome Place. The purpose was to communicate to insider and outsider alike that Lutherans were a welcoming people, that all people could joyfully gather in God's holy temple.
Lesson 2: Romans 11:1--2a, 13--15, 29--32
When people close doors, God opens another door. Paul indicates that it was the Jews' rejection of the gospel that led to his ministry to the Gentiles (v. 15). The apostle holds out the hope that the door which the Jews closed would someday swing open again. It is God's will
269
to show his mercy to all humankind. As Christians, we should never curse a closed door or despair because some door of ministry is closed off to us. If one door is closed, God will certainly open another.
God is not fickle. Paul contends that the gifts and call of God to the Jewish people is irrevocable (v. 29). When the Lord makes a commitment, he does not vacillate. The apostle must have been specifically thinking of the covenant with Abraham, rather than the Mosaic covenant, which was conditioned by the obedience of the people. God's covenant with us through our baptism into Christ is also irrevocable, as far as God is concerned. It is not based on our faithfulness, but God's will.
Gospel: Matthew 15:(10--20) 21--28
Strategic withdrawal. The early portion of chapter 15 features the ongoing dispute which Jesus had with the Pharisees and others in the religious establishment. Conflict is very trying, consuming lots of energy. Jesus needed to get away from the battle for reflection and spiritual renewal. Such a withdrawal would give him perspective and strength for the coming fray. The cross was looming on the horizon and he needed time to discern the Father's will. All those in Christ's army need such times of renewal and vision.
Dealing with interruptions. It seems like almost every time Jesus would retire to some lonely spot for prayer, someone would be begging for his attention. Even in this non--Jewish region, he could not go unnoticed. A Canaanite woman came crying after him, raising quite a ruckus. The disciples wanted her sent away. Most of the time, Jesus responded immediately to the need. This time he needed a little persuading. Could it be that this was the Father's way of helping him to see that his messiahship had broader applications? The point that we need to make here is that God often comes to us during the interruptions of our plans rather than in the plans themselves.
Cry for mercy. The woman cried after Jesus: ''Have mercy on me, Lord'' (v. 21). She wasn't asking for herself but for her daughter. There is not one instance in the gospels where our Lord did not respond positively to a cry for mercy. We need not be embarrassed to issue such a cry.
The silences of God. At first, Jesus was silent to her desperate plea. Her prayer was not immediately answered. Sometimes God seems mute to our pleas. We hear only an echo of our petition rather than an answer, it seems. When this happens, we ought not give up but keep on storming the gates of heaven. God responds to the entreaties of those who continue to seek his mercy. This is not to say that God will always give us what we ask but that he will help those who approach him with a persistent faith.
PREACHING APPROACHES WITH ILLUSTRATIONS
Lesson 1: Genesis 45:1--15
Sermon Title: The Joy Of Reunion
Sermon Angle: Joseph was overjoyed when he was reunited with his brothers. He wept tears of joy as he embraced and kissed them. He experienced the joy of reunion through forgiveness and reconciliation and so can we.
Outline:
1. Joseph was forcibly separated from his family
2. God brought them back together
3. Togetherness is not reunion - reunion comes from reconciliation
- God brought them together
- God gave Joseph a forgiving heart
4. Are you separated from others by sin?
5. Let God show you the joy of reunion
270
Lesson 1: Isaiah 56:1 (2--5) 6--8
Sermon Title: Open House
Sermon Angle: The prophet speaks the word of the Lord, announcing: ''For my house shall be called a house of prayer for all people'' (v. 7). God's house is an open house, open to all people of faith.
Lesson 2: Romans 11:1--2a, 13--15, 29--32
Sermon Title: Merciful Lord
Sermon Angle: Paul states that the Gentiles, who were once disobedient, have now received mercy (v. 30). The theme of mercy is a common thread that runs through all the lessons. The story of Joseph's reunion with his brothers was affected through his merciful treatment of his brothers. The Isaiah text states that God will mercifully receive the worship of all people of faith. Finally, the Gospel Lesson features a desperate woman who cried for mercy and received mercy. Our Lord is merciful and so are his followers.
Outline:
1. The Gentiles have received the mercy of God in Christ (Romans 11)
2. The Isaiah text - God mercifully accepted the worship of Gentile believers
3. The Gospel - Christ shows mercy on the Canaanite woman
Gospel: Matthew 15:21--28
Sermon Title: The Cry Of A Stranger
Sermon Angle: The Canaanite woman cried the cry of a stranger, an outsider. She addressed Jesus by his Jewish messianic title: Son of David. She recognized that she wasn't one of the Chosen People, that she was a stranger to the promises of God. Her plea was not on the basis of race or religion; she presented her grave need as a suppliant woman seeking grace. Because of her insistent faith, Christ heard her cry.
Outline:
1. The Canaanite sought mercy as an outsider
- because of her great need
- and Christ's reputation for healing compassion
2. Christ heard her cry and helped her
3. Are we sensitive to the cries of those who are strangers to the grace of God?
- do we hear and do we help?
Sermon Title: What Kind Of Beggar Does Christ Listen To?
Sermon Angle: The Canaanite woman approached Jesus as a beggar, seeking mercy for her daughter. The disciples were also beggars, asking that their Lord send this troublesome woman out of their sight. The first beggar was imploring him to respond to a valid need. The other beggars were asking that they not be troubled by the insistent need of a sister human being. They probably justified their hardness of heart on the basis of race, religion and sex. God does not honor the prayers of those who beg to be spared the pain of their brothers and sisters. He listens to those who implore him out of the poverty of their spirit.
Outline:
1. The Canaanite woman begged for healing mercies
2. The disciples begged to be sheltered from human need
3. Christ grants the petitions of those who seek God's mercies
4. We are all beggars, who have no right to demand, only beg, for mercy
Sermon Title: The Language God Listens To
Sermon Angle: I don't know what language the Canaanite woman employed in her encounter with Jesus. Perhaps Aramaic. It doesn't really matter what tongue she spoke; her faith spoke eloquently. Though Jesus seemed not to hear at first, the persuasiveness of her faith won him
271
over. God doesn't listen because of certain phrases and formulas, no matter how pious they sound. It is faith that connects with the Almighty, though we speak like a babbler.
In the book, Preaching Through The Church Year, Robert E. Luccock asserts that, if he had it within his power to fulfill his fantasies, one of the first things he would do is place the image or the statue of the Canaanite woman of Matthew 15:21--28 in every house of worship. Perhaps it would be situated on or by the door of the church to remind us, as we leave the sanctuary, that the world is filled with those crying out in pain for God's mercy. Or, maybe a statue could be placed in the worship area of the church to save us from a smug coziness, that turns a deaf ear to the world.
This woman is an important icon because she is the first woman that Jesus ministered to outside of the nation of Israel. She and the centurion, who asked Jesus to heal his servant, are the first Gentiles that Jesus ministered to. This humble woman is significant because Jesus' ministry to the whole world commences with her. As her cries shattered Jesus' tranquility long ago, so may she serve as an icon for all those who would break through our comfortable religious traditions.
When the Canaanite woman came crying after Jesus, he referred to her as a dog, not a complimentary term. What he may have been referring to was her annoying persistence. Dogs generally bark when their security is threatened. The world is filled with barking dogs. Thousands of Haitians flee the abject poverty of their island and bark at our shoreline for a chance to enjoy freedom from want and oppression. Packs of Rwandans bark in terror, as they flee slaughter in tribal warfare. Multitudes in our cities are barking because their lives are torn with violence. The starving millions in our world are too weak to bark; they merely whimper quietly. Tens of thousands of abused women and children in America bark all but silently, for fear of reprisal. Barking dogs, so to speak, may be annoying, even threatening. Yet the right way to still their barking is not to plug our ears but to listen to the bark, and respond to the need that led to the bark in the first place. Humans may bark sometimes to scare people away but, more often, try to draw attention to their needs.
272
Lesson 1: Genesis 45:1--15 (C)
Joseph reveals himself to his brothers, who have come to Egypt to secure food during the famine. Rather than seeking revenge, he sees God's gracious hand in his brothers' treachery. Joseph openly wept for joy and reveals his plan to provide for his entire family in Egypt. This ends the cycle of stories from Genesis.
Lesson 1: Isaiah 56:1, 6--7 (RC); Isaiah 56:1 (2--5) 6--7 (E); Isaiah 56:1, 6--8 (L)
The prophet foresees a time when foreigners would be included in God's covenant. God's holy temple will be a house for all peoples (v. 7).
Lesson 2: Romans 11:1--2a, 29--32 (C); Romans 11:13--15, 29--32 (RC, E, L)
Paul identifies himself as the apostle to the Gentiles. The Jews have rejected Christ and so the gospel has been extended to the Gentiles. This does not indicate that God has rejected his people, for God's call is irrevocable. It is through the same gospel that the Jews will come to Christ. It is God's intention to shower his mercy on all people.
Gospel: Matthew 15:(10--20) 21--28 (C); Matthew 15:21--28 (RC, E, L)
Jesus and his disciples leave the land of Israel for the region of Tyre and Sidon, northwest of Galilee on the Mediterranean coast. Perhaps Jesus is seeking some rest. His fame precedes him, as a Canaanite woman comes shrieking after them that he should heal her daughter, possessed by a demon. She addresses Jesus as the Jewish Messiah, ''Son of David'' (v. 22). Jesus acts as if she were not there but she persists in seeking his help. The disciples want her dispatched quickly. Jesus responds that he was only sent to the Jews. This correctly defined the scope of his earthly mission. Then, she kneels before him and begs: ''Lord, help me'' (v. 25). The next part of the encounter is what really disturbs a lot of people, because Jesus seems offensive and cruel. He said, ''It is not fair to take the children's bread and give it to the dogs'' (v. 26). The woman will not be put off: ''Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table'' (v. 27).
Some have tried to take the sting away by changing 'dogs'' to ''little puppies.'' They point out that he may have been employing a little humor, that he is likening her to a puppy yapping at his heels. Others contend that he was merely testing the woman's faith or that of the disciples. I find all of these interpretations lacking. The point of our interpretation should
268
not be to justify the words of Jesus but to show the happy outcome of one who has a persistent faith. This desperate woman sparred with the Lord and won. She conquered him with her unsinkable faith. Jesus commended her faith and instantly healed her daughter. Whether they be outsider or insider, Jew or Gentile, Christ stands ready to help those who cry out to him in faith.
Psalm Of The Day
Psalm 133 (C) - ''How very good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity'' (v. 1).
Psalm 67 (RC, E, L) - ''Let the people praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you'' (v. 5).
Prayer Of The Day
Gracious God, we, your needy children, cry out to you for help, not on the basis of race or class or sex, but because of your great love for all your children. Lord, have mercy upon us all! In Jesus' name. Amen.
THEOLOGICAL REFLECTION ON THE LESSONS
Lesson 1: Genesis 45:1--15
A cry of joy rather than a cry for blood. When Joseph observed his brothers standing before him, he could not contain himself; he cried loudly. Considering that his brothers sold him into slavery, one might think that he would cry out for vengeance. Not Joseph: he cried for joy at the prospect of being reunited with his family.
Let bygones be. Joseph told his brothers not to be angry with themselves for what they had done to him (v. 5). God was able to use their evil for good. Besides, one cannot change the past. We must stand ready to let go of our mistakes and move on.
Move closer. The brothers stood at a distance, not only out of deference to Joseph's exalted position, but because they were afraid and full of guilt. Fear and guilt keep us apart from one another and from God. Joseph bid them to come closer (v. 4). A forgiving spirit draws us closer to our God and to one another.
Lesson 1: Isaiah 56:1 (2--5) 6--8
Good news for outcasts. This lesson speaks to two sets of outcasts. The Israelites were outcasts and God was promising to bring them back to their homeland and the holy city. The Gentiles were also outcasts, as far as the Jews were concerned. The prophet foresees a time when they will be part of the family of God, ministering to the Lord and worshipping him in the holy temple. Both Jew and Gentile, those on the inside and those on the outside, are outcasts. The common denominator is sin. God intends to gather all who desire to be a part of God's covenant people (v. 8).
Joyful worship. Isaiah proclaims that those who assemble in God's house of prayer will be joyful in their worship. The heart of worship is praise and thanksgiving, as we respond to God's gracious acts of liberation. How unfortunate that so many people picture worship as something perfunctory, dull and boring.
The gathering place. The Lutheran Church developed an outreach emphasis titled: The Welcome Place. The purpose was to communicate to insider and outsider alike that Lutherans were a welcoming people, that all people could joyfully gather in God's holy temple.
Lesson 2: Romans 11:1--2a, 13--15, 29--32
When people close doors, God opens another door. Paul indicates that it was the Jews' rejection of the gospel that led to his ministry to the Gentiles (v. 15). The apostle holds out the hope that the door which the Jews closed would someday swing open again. It is God's will
269
to show his mercy to all humankind. As Christians, we should never curse a closed door or despair because some door of ministry is closed off to us. If one door is closed, God will certainly open another.
God is not fickle. Paul contends that the gifts and call of God to the Jewish people is irrevocable (v. 29). When the Lord makes a commitment, he does not vacillate. The apostle must have been specifically thinking of the covenant with Abraham, rather than the Mosaic covenant, which was conditioned by the obedience of the people. God's covenant with us through our baptism into Christ is also irrevocable, as far as God is concerned. It is not based on our faithfulness, but God's will.
Gospel: Matthew 15:(10--20) 21--28
Strategic withdrawal. The early portion of chapter 15 features the ongoing dispute which Jesus had with the Pharisees and others in the religious establishment. Conflict is very trying, consuming lots of energy. Jesus needed to get away from the battle for reflection and spiritual renewal. Such a withdrawal would give him perspective and strength for the coming fray. The cross was looming on the horizon and he needed time to discern the Father's will. All those in Christ's army need such times of renewal and vision.
Dealing with interruptions. It seems like almost every time Jesus would retire to some lonely spot for prayer, someone would be begging for his attention. Even in this non--Jewish region, he could not go unnoticed. A Canaanite woman came crying after him, raising quite a ruckus. The disciples wanted her sent away. Most of the time, Jesus responded immediately to the need. This time he needed a little persuading. Could it be that this was the Father's way of helping him to see that his messiahship had broader applications? The point that we need to make here is that God often comes to us during the interruptions of our plans rather than in the plans themselves.
Cry for mercy. The woman cried after Jesus: ''Have mercy on me, Lord'' (v. 21). She wasn't asking for herself but for her daughter. There is not one instance in the gospels where our Lord did not respond positively to a cry for mercy. We need not be embarrassed to issue such a cry.
The silences of God. At first, Jesus was silent to her desperate plea. Her prayer was not immediately answered. Sometimes God seems mute to our pleas. We hear only an echo of our petition rather than an answer, it seems. When this happens, we ought not give up but keep on storming the gates of heaven. God responds to the entreaties of those who continue to seek his mercy. This is not to say that God will always give us what we ask but that he will help those who approach him with a persistent faith.
PREACHING APPROACHES WITH ILLUSTRATIONS
Lesson 1: Genesis 45:1--15
Sermon Title: The Joy Of Reunion
Sermon Angle: Joseph was overjoyed when he was reunited with his brothers. He wept tears of joy as he embraced and kissed them. He experienced the joy of reunion through forgiveness and reconciliation and so can we.
Outline:
1. Joseph was forcibly separated from his family
2. God brought them back together
3. Togetherness is not reunion - reunion comes from reconciliation
- God brought them together
- God gave Joseph a forgiving heart
4. Are you separated from others by sin?
5. Let God show you the joy of reunion
270
Lesson 1: Isaiah 56:1 (2--5) 6--8
Sermon Title: Open House
Sermon Angle: The prophet speaks the word of the Lord, announcing: ''For my house shall be called a house of prayer for all people'' (v. 7). God's house is an open house, open to all people of faith.
Lesson 2: Romans 11:1--2a, 13--15, 29--32
Sermon Title: Merciful Lord
Sermon Angle: Paul states that the Gentiles, who were once disobedient, have now received mercy (v. 30). The theme of mercy is a common thread that runs through all the lessons. The story of Joseph's reunion with his brothers was affected through his merciful treatment of his brothers. The Isaiah text states that God will mercifully receive the worship of all people of faith. Finally, the Gospel Lesson features a desperate woman who cried for mercy and received mercy. Our Lord is merciful and so are his followers.
Outline:
1. The Gentiles have received the mercy of God in Christ (Romans 11)
2. The Isaiah text - God mercifully accepted the worship of Gentile believers
3. The Gospel - Christ shows mercy on the Canaanite woman
Gospel: Matthew 15:21--28
Sermon Title: The Cry Of A Stranger
Sermon Angle: The Canaanite woman cried the cry of a stranger, an outsider. She addressed Jesus by his Jewish messianic title: Son of David. She recognized that she wasn't one of the Chosen People, that she was a stranger to the promises of God. Her plea was not on the basis of race or religion; she presented her grave need as a suppliant woman seeking grace. Because of her insistent faith, Christ heard her cry.
Outline:
1. The Canaanite sought mercy as an outsider
- because of her great need
- and Christ's reputation for healing compassion
2. Christ heard her cry and helped her
3. Are we sensitive to the cries of those who are strangers to the grace of God?
- do we hear and do we help?
Sermon Title: What Kind Of Beggar Does Christ Listen To?
Sermon Angle: The Canaanite woman approached Jesus as a beggar, seeking mercy for her daughter. The disciples were also beggars, asking that their Lord send this troublesome woman out of their sight. The first beggar was imploring him to respond to a valid need. The other beggars were asking that they not be troubled by the insistent need of a sister human being. They probably justified their hardness of heart on the basis of race, religion and sex. God does not honor the prayers of those who beg to be spared the pain of their brothers and sisters. He listens to those who implore him out of the poverty of their spirit.
Outline:
1. The Canaanite woman begged for healing mercies
2. The disciples begged to be sheltered from human need
3. Christ grants the petitions of those who seek God's mercies
4. We are all beggars, who have no right to demand, only beg, for mercy
Sermon Title: The Language God Listens To
Sermon Angle: I don't know what language the Canaanite woman employed in her encounter with Jesus. Perhaps Aramaic. It doesn't really matter what tongue she spoke; her faith spoke eloquently. Though Jesus seemed not to hear at first, the persuasiveness of her faith won him
271
over. God doesn't listen because of certain phrases and formulas, no matter how pious they sound. It is faith that connects with the Almighty, though we speak like a babbler.
In the book, Preaching Through The Church Year, Robert E. Luccock asserts that, if he had it within his power to fulfill his fantasies, one of the first things he would do is place the image or the statue of the Canaanite woman of Matthew 15:21--28 in every house of worship. Perhaps it would be situated on or by the door of the church to remind us, as we leave the sanctuary, that the world is filled with those crying out in pain for God's mercy. Or, maybe a statue could be placed in the worship area of the church to save us from a smug coziness, that turns a deaf ear to the world.
This woman is an important icon because she is the first woman that Jesus ministered to outside of the nation of Israel. She and the centurion, who asked Jesus to heal his servant, are the first Gentiles that Jesus ministered to. This humble woman is significant because Jesus' ministry to the whole world commences with her. As her cries shattered Jesus' tranquility long ago, so may she serve as an icon for all those who would break through our comfortable religious traditions.
When the Canaanite woman came crying after Jesus, he referred to her as a dog, not a complimentary term. What he may have been referring to was her annoying persistence. Dogs generally bark when their security is threatened. The world is filled with barking dogs. Thousands of Haitians flee the abject poverty of their island and bark at our shoreline for a chance to enjoy freedom from want and oppression. Packs of Rwandans bark in terror, as they flee slaughter in tribal warfare. Multitudes in our cities are barking because their lives are torn with violence. The starving millions in our world are too weak to bark; they merely whimper quietly. Tens of thousands of abused women and children in America bark all but silently, for fear of reprisal. Barking dogs, so to speak, may be annoying, even threatening. Yet the right way to still their barking is not to plug our ears but to listen to the bark, and respond to the need that led to the bark in the first place. Humans may bark sometimes to scare people away but, more often, try to draw attention to their needs.
272
