Wednesday, August 7, 2002
18th Week in Ordinary Time
1st Reading: Jer 31:1-7
Gospel: Mt 15:21-28
Jesus
withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon. Now a Canaanite woman came from
those borders and began to cry out, "Lord, Son of David, have pity
on me! My daughter is tormented by a demon." But Jesus did not answer
her, not even a word. So his disciples approached him and said, "Send
her away: see how she is shouting after us."
Then Jesus said to her, "I was sent only to the lost sheep of the
nation of Israel."
But the woman was already kneeling before Jesus and said, "Sir, help
me!" Jesus answered, "It is not right to take the bread from
the children and throw it to the little dogs." The woman replied,
"It is true, sir, but even the little dogs eat the crumbs which fall
from their master's table." Then Jesus said, "Woman, how great
is your faith! Let it be as you wish." And her daughter was healed
at that moment.
Commentary
"You may call me dog, as long as you give me bread," says a Spanish proverb. The Canaanite woman pleaded for her daughter's health to Jesus. Today's event is very meaningful because this is the only time that Jesus travels out of his country. He went to Tyre and Sidon. Jewish people at that time used to despise foreigners, calling them "foreign dogs." This woman could bare any insult for her daughter's sake. She will accept to be called "little puppy" ("kunaria," was the word used by Jesus). With strong faith and keen sense of humor she will approach Jesus, as a little puppy, in all humility. Jesus saw her great love and faith, and her request was granted. True love and faith move us beyond any human-made border. This event helped Jesus to broaden his mission.