Word to the Wise
Sunday, August 17, 2014 - 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time - A
[Isa 56:1, 6-7; Rom 11:13-15, 29-32; Matt 15:21-28]"Please, Lord, for even the dogs eat the scraps that fall from the table of their masters." [Matt.]
These words were spoken by a Canaanite woman who approached Jesus for help for her daughter. It is iimportant to note that this woman would have been considered a pagan by those who were with Jesus. Pagans were routinely called "dogs!" It is even more important to note that she immediately addresses Jesus with a title that indicates her faith that he will help her: "Lord, Son of David!" Jesus tests her faith by pointing out the she and her people were not the ones he was called to serve. She replies that even people like her need help! And, indeed, Jesus gives her a tremendous compliment: "O woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish."
Those closest to Jesus in this scene would have sent this woman away. "Send her away, for she keeps calling out after us." It is possible that in the community that Matthew addressed with his gospel that there was tension over the question of reaching out to "non-believers." In this case, it would be non-Jews! Eventually, the broader vision shown in Jesus' reaction to this woman would win out. St. Peter and St. Paul would reach out to non-Jews and the Christian community would go beyond the boundaries of Palestine!
Pope Francis has been leading the way in showing that our Church can be more responsive to those who "call out after us." It is possible that we can become so caught up in setting boundaries that we miss the faith of those who still have a ways to go before they fully accept what we believe. Jesus makes it clear that he will respond to this kind of faith. Each of us individually, as well as collectively in our parish communities, are challenged to look to Jesus' example and that of Pope Francis and see how we respond to the "Canaanites" who "call out after us!" AMEN
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