The Word of God – August 7, 2024 Reflection

 

THE WORD OF GOD – AUGUST 7, 2024 REFLECTION

Liturgical Calendar Day: Ss. Sixtus II, Pope and Martyr, and Companions, Martyrs; St. Cajetan, Priest – Memorial

Scripture Text: Jer 31:1-7; Mt 15:21-28

“Have pity on me, Lord, Son of David!” (Mt 15:22)

In ancient times the Jews saw the world as divided in two: the Chosen People (Jews) and the other nations (Gentiles, pagans, everyone else). Many Jews were not able to understand why God had chosen them. Their understanding of being chosen by God led them to develop a sense of superiority, which caused them to look down on other nations. Being bearers of the true religion obliged them to avoid contamination with other peoples, but it also increased their inability to understand all that was foreign to them.

The Canaanite woman was a member of the “other nations” or Gentiles. So she was often treated with contempt by the Jews or avoided by them. The Jews were the sons, the pagans were the dogs.

Jesus answered the Canaanite woman by citing the familiar, scornful regard of the Jews. In reality he was testing her. Would she persist even when it appeared that God had rejected her? Would we have carried on, if we had been in her place?

She understood that petitioning Jesus was her only chance to free her daughter from the demon. If she allowed this opportunity to pass by, there might never be another chance.

She calls on Jesus as the Son of David. It is the title given by the Jews to the Messiah. She catches his attention, even as his disciples try to shoo her away.

In the end, she proves that sometimes Gentiles can have stronger faith than the Chosen People, and her daughter was healed.

How strong is my faith? Am I persistent in prayer when it seems that my prayers are not answered?

What areas in my life do I need to revisit so that my faith can grow and become as strong as that of the Canaanite woman?

The above reflection is published with the permission of the author, who wishes to remain anonymous.