8/20/2023 (Sunday) Today’s gospel reading: Matthew 15:21-28

21 At that time, Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon.
22 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.”
23 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.”
24 He said in reply, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.”
25 But the woman came and did Jesus homage, saying, “Lord, help me.”
26 He said in reply, “It is not right to take the food of the children and throw it to the dogs.”
27 She said, “Please, Lord, for even the dogs eat the scraps that fall from the table of their masters.”
28 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.

8/20/2023 (Sunday) Today’s gospel reflection: Matthew 15:21-28

The Canaanite woman in the gospel reading above showed great faith in the power and mercy of Jesus which was really amazing because as a Canaanite, she does not belong to the Chosen People. In fact, she was considered a dog! Here, we recall the the Centurion, another pagan who displayed great faith. In both instances, Jesus was so pleased with their great faith that He granted their wishes immediately.

Let us compare the amazement of Jesus with the great faith of the two pagans above with His often frustration with His own disciples for their little faith or His own town folks in Nazareth for their lack of faith. This is just to show that indeed faith can be found in unexpected places.

Like the Apostles or the people of Nazareth, many people do not develop faith instantly or even gradually. While we try to be patient with them, let us focus on our own faith. Like the Canaanite woman, let us cry out persistently thus, “Lord, help me.” For indeed, our help comes only from the Lord (Psalm 121:1). Moreover, let us be ready to learn from everyone, including those whom we consider outside of our group. Finally, let us become the instrument, not the hindrance, by which people can find Jesus.

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