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Created: 16 August 2020

Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time - Year A

Today’s Gospel, Matthew 15:21-28, recounts the encounter of Jesus with a Canaanite woman. From the Gospel story, we may surmise that she is a good mother and a wise person.

Today’s Gospel might make us wonder about Jesus’ attitude towards the woman. She, full of worries, approached Jesus to seek healing for her daughter, yet Jesus appeared not noticing her nor hearing her pleading. When the disciples saw that Jesus gave her no reply, they said to him “Send her away, for she keeps calling out after us.” To their implore Jesus replied: “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” (Matthew 15:23-24) When the woman was persistent in asking Jesus for help, his response appeared rude and uncharitable. “It is not right to take the food of the children and throw it to the dogs.” (Matthew 15:26)

Did the Gentiles not receive God's love? Is salvation only for the Jews? Is the Good News only for a certain group of people? Perseverance in asking Jesus is a concrete demonstration of the faith and the way of living the faith of the Canaanite woman who is considered pagan?

Jesus Himself has repeatedly shown us that God is always full of love for all. Many times, in the Gospel, Jesus said he was sent to go to other sheep. We read in the last chapter of the Gospel according to Matthew that Jesus, before returning to heaven, commanded the apostles to go to all nations, preach and baptize those who trust in him. Reading and meditating on the Word of God, on Jesus' actions, especially Jesus’ passion and death, we can say that Christ's Gospel and salvation are for everyone, everywhere, at all times.

Before coming to see Jesus, this woman must have heard a lot about him. She knew that only he could drive away the demon that possessed her daughter. She had all the necessary qualities such as faith, humility, wisdom, perseverance, and especially love for her daughter. And these good qualities helped her to endure the trial Jesus used to test her faith.

“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 15:27-28)

The woman in today's Gospel was not discouraged and gave up when her faith in Jesus was tested. She was a pagan and God accepted her!

May the woman's example of faith in Jesus in today's Gospel prompt each of us to reflect, reexamine our own faith life!

Fr. Phi Nguyen