Memorial of St Scholastica, Virgin
1 Kings 11:4-13; Psalm 106; Mark 7:24-30
The metaphor of Children and dogs: Respect for all human beings
Children and dogs were used to depict the Jews and the Gentiles of old. However, the faith of a Syrophoenician woman who asked Jesus to deliver her daughter broke this barrier. The woman’s status as a woman, gentile, and foreigner would have rendered her triply marginalized, compared to the Jews who were the rightful sons. But Jesus granted her request a perfect illustration that his mission is not limited to the Jews alone. Jesus endeavours to destroy all such distinctions. Nevertheless, elements of such distinction still exist in the Church today; with particular reference to language and culture. While we cannot make everybody to speak one language or practice one culture we can maintain the general attitude of Jesus – his respect for all human beings with no distinctions of class or belief.
The first reading tells us that the Lord became angry with Solomon because his heart had turned away from the Lord. In all his wisdom Solomon wandered far from the Lord. We know too much yet we are not docile to the examples of Christ. We have all the godly wisdom yet hostile to ourselves. For these and many other reasons many of us have wandered far away from God. May St. Scholastica whose memorial we celebrate today intercede for us.
LET US PRAY
Lord, give us that unity, that absorption, that resolution to put away anything that hinders. Let our thoughts, our actions and our intentions be unified to glorify You through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.