August 16, 2020
Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time Year (Year A)
The Gospel for today from Matthew (Mt. 15:21-28) contains some of the harshest and most disturbing words that we could possibly hear from Jesus. But they contain a great lesson on faith and prayer for us.
Jesus has left the Jewish region of Gennesaret with his disciples and entered the area of Tyre and Sidon, a territory of Gentiles, people who are not Jews. A Canaanite woman approaches Jesus and calls out to him saying, “Have pity on me, Lord, Son of David! My daughter is tormented by a demon.” (Mt. 15:22).
Jesus seems to ignore the woman, not saying a word to her. His disciples, annoyed by her relentless calling, tell Jesus to send her away. Jesus responds with a statement saying he has only been sent to the lost sheep of Israel, those Jews who have fallen from the true faith and others, like the Samaritans, descendants of the tribes of the Northern Kingdom of Israel.
But the woman persists, begging Jesus to help her on behalf of her daughter. Here is where we hear a most uncharacteristic and unexpected retort of Jesus. He says, “It is not right to take the food of the children and throw it to the dogs.” (Mt. 15:26).
Pause here to consider the meaning of this particular verse. Jesus seems to be saying that it is not right for him to help the Canaanite woman, a pagan person considered inferior to the Jews who are the children of God. However, if we examine this passage in light of the rest of scripture, especially the other passages we read for today, it is unlikely that Jesus would have made this claim in pursuit of the mission entrusted to him by the Father.
Consider the First Reading from the prophet Isaiah (Isa. 56:1, 6-7). Written during the time of the Babylonian exile, it reassures the Jews in captivity of the salvation about to be brought by God. The words of God spoken by Isaiah also guarantee justice for Gentiles who recognize the name of the LORD. He says, “I will bring them to my holy mountain and make them joyful in my house of prayer. For my house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples.” (Isa. 56:1, 7).
The Psalm for today (Ps. 67) also speaks of the universal salvation offered by God: “May the nations be glad and exult
because you rule the peoples in equity; the nations on earth you guide.” (Ps. 67:5).
Likewise, is the Second Reading for today (Rom. 11:13-15, 29-32) written by Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles. He addresses the Romans recognizing the sinfulness of both Jews and Gentiles alike. But he also acknowledges that God’s salvation through Jesus has been brought to all nations. He writes, “For God delivered all to disobedience, that he might have mercy upon all.” (Rom. 11:32).
Lastly, why would Jesus enter Gentile territory if he had not considered making them part of his ministry and healing activity? In fact, in the next passage we are told, “Great crowds came to him, having with them the lame, the blind, the deformed, the mute, and many others. They placed them at his feet, and he cured them. The crowds were amazed … and they glorified the God of Israel.” (Mt. 15:30-31).
Additionally, immediately following this account, Jesus is so moved with pity for the crowds who have followed him for three days without food that he performs the same multiplication of bread and fish for the Gentiles (M. 15:32-29) that he had previously performed for the Jews (Mt. 14:13-21).
In all of these stories we see the benevolence and compassion of Jesus toward the Gentiles and his willingness to perform miraculous deeds for them. So, what about the Canaanite woman? Why does Jesus single her out as a Gentile for whom he will not work a miracle?
Well this is one of those stories about Jesus where we have to look at every detail and character involved in order to get a complete picture of what is happening. When we do so, we see another side of Jesus that may be overshadowed by the interaction with the Canaanite woman and the miracle he performs. It is the mastery of his teaching to those closest to him, the disciples. Although they play a minor role in the incident, Jesus makes a major point to them in the conversation that ensues.
After Jesus declares that it is not right to take the food from children and toss it to the dogs (more accurately interpreted as “pet dog”), the Canaanite woman is neither dismayed nor discouraged. She persists, calling out, “Please, Lord, for even the dogs eat the scraps that fall from the table of their masters.” (Mt. 15:27).
Herein lies the teaching moment for Jesus as he exclaims, “O woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.” (Mt. 15:28a).
By addressing Jesus as “Lord” and comparing him to a “master,” the woman demonstrates that she has come to believe that Jesus is the one sent by God. She is like those about whom Isaiah writes, “Gentiles who recognize the name of the LORD.” (Isa. 56:1b).
Jesus thus rewards the woman for her great faith, but he also sets an example for his disciples who had been content to send the woman away. He shows them that despite a persons’ background or nationality, all are rewarded when they show steadfast dedication to and true faith in Jesus as the Son of God.
This lesson for the disciples is meant for us as well. Daily we make requests of God for our own well-being and that of others. Perhaps we have a certain intention for which we have asked to no avail – curing an illness, finding a job, or repairing a broken relationship.
But we must persevere. Like the Canaanite woman, persistence in faith and dedication to prayer are key.
