Catholic Identity  

Gospel Reflection 

20th Sunday in Ordinary Time 

Summary  

In this Gospel, Jesus travels to the region of Tyre and Sidon, where a Canaanite woman approaches him desperately seeking help for her daughter. As a Canaanite and an outsider, she would not have been expected to approach a Jewish teacher like Jesus. Yet her love for her daughter and her belief that Jesus could help give her the courage to call out to him. 

At first, she receives no answer, and even the disciples want her sent away. But she refuses to give up. She continues to ask Jesus for help and shows remarkable trust in him. Jesus recognises the strength of her faith, praises her and heals her daughter. Her persistence and faith become an example for everyone around her. 

Scripture – Matthew 15:21-28 

Jesus left that place and went away to the district of Tyre and Sidon. A Canaanite woman from that region came to him, calling out and asking him to have mercy on her because her daughter was suffering terribly. 

At first, Jesus did not answer her. His disciples wanted him to send her away because she continued to call after them. Jesus explained that his mission was to the people of Israel. 

But the woman would not give up. She came before Jesus and pleaded with him, “Lord, help me.” Jesus challenged her, speaking about the children’s food not being given to the dogs. The woman replied that even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table. 

Jesus saw the depth of her faith and said: 

“Woman, you have great faith. Let your wish be granted.” 

And from that moment, her daughter was healed. 

Reflection 

There are times in our lives when we ask for something, pray for help or hope that a difficult situation will change — and nothing seems to happen. We might wonder whether God is listening or whether we should simply give up. 

The woman in this Gospel reminds us that faith is not always about having an immediate answer. Sometimes faith means continuing to trust, continuing to hope and continuing to turn towards God even when we are unsure about what comes next. 

There is also something powerful about who Jesus listens to. This woman was an outsider. The disciples were ready to send her away, but her voice mattered. Jesus ultimately recognises her faith and responds to her need. It challenges us to think about the people around us whose voices can sometimes be overlooked. Are we willing to stop, listen and recognise the dignity, faith and needs of people who might otherwise be pushed aside? 

Her story encourages us to keep asking, keep trusting and keep listening. 

Reflection Questions 

• When have you had to keep going even though something was difficult?  
• What helps you trust God when you don't know what is going to happen?  
• Are there people around us whose voices we sometimes don't hear?  
• How can we become better at stopping and really listening to others?  
• What is something you would like to bring to God in prayer today? 

Prayer 

Loving God, thank you for always hearing us when we call to you. 

When things are difficult and answers do not come straight away, give us the courage to keep going and the faith to keep trusting you. 

Help us to notice people who may feel unheard, left out or forgotten. Teach us to listen with kindness, respond with compassion and recognise the dignity of every person we meet. 

Like the woman in today’s Gospel, may our faith be strong, our hope remain alive, and our hearts always turn towards you. 

Amen. 

Feast of the Assumption 

This Saturday, 15 August, we celebrate the Feast of the Assumption of Mary. On this special day, we remember that at the end of Mary’s earthly life, God welcomed her, body and soul, into heaven. Mary’s life was one of faith, trust and saying “yes” to God’s call. Her example encourages us to trust in God, serve others with love and say “yes” to the ways God calls us each day. 

At Home with Your Family 

Families might take a few moments together this week to: 

• Talk: What does it mean to trust God, even when we don't know what will happen next? 
• Reflect: What is something God might be calling us to say “yes” to — helping someone, showing kindness, forgiving or being brave? 
• Pray: Say a Hail Mary together and ask Mary to help your family grow in faith and trust. 
• Act: Choose one simple way your family can show love or serve someone else this week. 

Class Masses 

Each Friday, one of our classes attends the 12:10pm parish Mass in St Kilian’s Hall with our Pastoral Care Group also attending the First Friday Anointing Mass each month. 

Students are encouraged to actively participate in the Mass through roles such as readers, altar servers, and bringing forward the gifts. These experiences help students grow in confidence and deepen their understanding of the Mass and Catholic traditions. 

This initiative is also a valuable way of continuing to strengthen the connection between our parish and school communities, while encouraging students to take an active role in faith and community life.