RBWords

     It seems that the "learning curve" of the disciples is a steep one.  In the past few episodes, Jesus fed thousands with the disciples' meager loaves and fishes, rescued them from a storm, protected them from angry Pharisees because the disciples don't wash before eating by pointing out that  internal disposition is more important than  physical observance. Now he is going to challenge them even further.  (Remember, the disciples in this story really include all those in the audience who claim to accept Jesus!)  The new challenge comes in the episode with the Canaanite (Syro-Phoenician) woman seeking Jesus' help for her sick daughter.  This lady is not a Jew, yet she addresses Jesus as "Lord" and "Son of David."  The disciples want nothing to do with her anyhow.  Jesus' initial reply is narrow as to his mission.  The woman shows homage!  Jesus again tests her with words about not giving the children's food to the "dogs" (an expression popularly used for Gentiles!).  But the lady is more than equal to the dialog and Jesus recognizes her faith!  It is this faith that is crucial to Jesus' response in healing her daughter.  He does not require her to embrace Jewish ways and observances.

     The issue of the status of non-Jewish disciples is a source of the dramatic tension in the Gospel of Matthew.  The message over and over again from Jesus focuses on the importance of faith over physical observance of particular rituals.  The observances of the Mosaic Law are not rejected but given a very different priority.  While all of this may have reflected the current situation in the community immediately addressed by the Gospel of Matthew, we in our own time experience the tensions being caused by sincere folks who believe that a particular historical liturgical/ritual observance is absolutely necessary for Catholic faith!  It is not just a problem with leadership but goes all the way into the pews, as it were.  When we disciples try to include or exclude on the basis of that observance, we may find that Jesus doesn't see it our way!   AMEN