RBWords

     Recent comment on Pope Francis' "style" often includes the word, "inclusive."  He seems to reach out to everyone, including people that some church figures would be reluctant to welcome.  One may certainly see where he might have found an example in today's gospel passage.  The Canaanite woman is a pagan, and pious Jews of that time often referred to pagans as "dogs!"  The disciples considered her a pest:  "Send her away, for she keeps calling out after us."  Jesus engages the woman in conversation.  He tests what appears to be the seeds of faith since she does call him, "Lord!"  Finding that faith, Jesus responds further with the healing she wishes for her daughter.

     Jesus challenges all efforts on the part of his disciples or the crowd around him who try to exclude others.  He rebukes disciples who want to destroy a village that would not listen to them!  He eats and drinks with those considered to be "sinners" and "unclean."  This gospel passage and the example of Pope Francis offer all of us an opportunity to do some soul-searching about how "inclusive" we really are.  AMEN