REFLECTION

Gospel 

At that time, Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon. And behold, a Canaanite woman of that district came and called out, "Have pity on me, Lord, Son of David!

My daughter is tormented by a demon." But Jesus did not say a word in answer to her. Jesus' disciples came and asked him, "Send her away, for she keeps calling out after us." He said in reply, "I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel."

But the woman came and did Jesus homage, saying, "Lord, help me." He said in reply, "It is not right to take the food of the children and throw it to the dogs." She said, "Please, Lord, for even the dogs eat the scraps that fall from the table of their masters."

Then Jesus said to her in reply, "O woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish." And the woman's daughter was healed from that hour. 

Matthew 15: 21-28

Reflection

The Canaanite woman in this gospel is a good example of keeping our faithfulness even when we receive pushback. She continued to beseech Jesus for his help even when initially rebuked. Furthermore, it is a good reminder that Jesus came to save not only the Israelites, but the whole world.

In today’s society, cursing is commonplace, and it can be so easy to skip church for a myriad of reasons. Such activities are earthly. They have not to do with the glorification of God. So too, did the Canaanite woman go against traditional societal norms to accomplish her task. The Canaanites were shunned for their sinful customs (idolatry, sorcery, human sacrifice). I do not know enough to say that those practices were commonplace, but clearly, they had enough of an impact that Jesus taught us not to be like them. We can assume it would have been frowned upon for her to interact with Jesus. Yet, she did so anyway, and her faithfulness was rewarded. We must exhibit the same commitment to Jesus and his teachings. The second reading drives home how important it is for us to focus on such heavenly pursuits, instead of earthy ones. It reads,” For if their rejection is the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead?” It reminds us that we are not on this earth to do what society may encourage. It may be easier to go with the flow. But if, instead, we have strength to go against the sinful aspects of society and follow Christ, we will get the heavenly reward.

The last point is also an important one for us to remember today. Christianity is not a religion for one kind of people. Jesus died for the sins of every person on earth. This included the Canaanites! If Jesus could learn to minister to them, I hope we can learn to cater to all people in our world today. The readings show us this as well, most prominently here: “all who keep the sabbath free from profanation and hold to my covenant, then I will bring to my holy mountain.” He could have said “to the Jews who keep my covenant…” but he did not. He said all…

Julie Leonard Religious Education Leader/Wellbeing Leader