Isaiah 56:1, 6-7; Psalm 65; Romans 11:13-15, 29-32; Matthew 15:21-28
Fr. Thomas Oyode
“The Canaanite Woman and Universality of Salvation”
Today’s gospel reading (Matthew 15:21-28) presents to us an episode of Jesus’ encounter with the Canaanite woman. The fact that Matthew mentions the woman’s ethnicity is significant for our reflection on the gospel passage. The woman is a non-Jew, a pagan, a gentile, a stranger with whom Jews worth their salt would never associate. Let us, however, begin with a few comments on the first and second readings as a way of highlighting the background to the gospel which would hopefully aid a deeper understanding.
The first reading (Isaiah 56:1, 6-7) is set in the time after the Israelites’ return from exile. Having mixed up with the gentiles, they had acquired their culture and mode of worship and had neglected the customary Jerusalem Temple worship for many years. A return from exile was a time to rebuild and purge away foreign influences on their culture, religion, and cult (their mode of worshipping Yahweh). However, God was not impressed and so he spoke through the prophet Isaiah that he was not interested in who is a foreigner or an indigene; God’s interest is not in ethnicity or cultural divide but on righteousness. He invites us to do what is right and always work to engender his justice and salvation for all peoples. It is therefore not a time of division as God himself will bring all those who love his name to his holy mountain, his holy presence. Thus, God calls for an expanding of our horizon and our understanding of what it means to be called the People of God (the Church): it is a house of prayer for all peoples.
St. Paul reiterates the above points in the second reading (Romans 11:13-15, 29-32). Jews are God’s chosen people certainly, but his plan of salvation cannot be limited to them alone neither is an extension of the gospel to the gentiles a denial of God’s love for them. Today, the talk about a synodal Church has become a household discussion. The Church is seeking to have a gathering of all her members where issues of improved inclusion and increased participation in governance would be addressed. Pope Francis has consistently called our attention to the needs of those who are seen as “sinners” or “non-practicing” Catholics because they do not meet certain standards of the Catholic faith. Our attitude towards this group of people should be to open the door of mercy to them in imitation of Christ’s example.
The paradigm of Christ in today’s gospel reading (Matthew 15:21-28) should therefore teach us how to relate with those who are considered strangers, weak and vulnerable (women and children), the less privileged and the marginalised both within and outside the Church. While Jesus held that as a stranger and non-believer she was not entitled to salvation, he however, granted her wish because of her faith in the Messiah whom she rightly identified as the Son of David. It is faith that unites us all as members of the one Body of Christ. The disciples drew Jesus’ attention to the woman’s plea for mercy and he later granted it. We are to be like the disciples. Let us learn to make it easier for those who need God’s mercy in the Church to find it; lead them to Christ’s heart of mercy instead of judging them and marginalising them.
We can think of many in fighting that takes place in our parishes among the CWO and CMO members because one member is not baptised or is divorced, is having more than one wife, or is not married in the Church. The discrimination that arises because a member of the Church is not an indigene or does not belong to a major ethnic group in the Church and so they cannot hold certain positions of leadership. The Church should not be a place where we can say “it is us against them”; our only enemy is sin.
Lastly, we can learn from the woman’s humility, faith, and persistence. She did not go away. We are told that she did homage; she knelt. Kneeling in prayer is a sign of strength, perseverance, humility, vulnerability, and total surrender. When we kneel in prayer we are, like the Canaanite woman, acknowledging God as Lord who alone has power to show us mercy and to raise to life all that is dead in us. When we kneel in prayer, we acknowledge the Son of David and Son of Mary who died on the Cross to save, and we obey the injunction by which at the mention of his name every knee must bow (Philippians 2:10-11).
Jesus, Son of the Living God, have mercy on us.
Fr. Daniel Evbotokhai
FAITH NOT TEARS
The Canaanite woman in today’s gospel text was a gentile, and so she was regarded as a “pagan” by the Jews and by implication she does not merit salvation. However, Jesus demonstrated through her faith that salvation is universal. John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” “God so loved the world”, not some people. Salvation is available to everyone; don’t miss out.
Again, Jesus tested her faith and was moved by the depth of faith she expressed. Heb. 11:6 says, “without faith, it is impossible to please God…” So, tears do not please God; screaming and shouting during prayer would not entice God better, but faith does. Faith is the only pleasant ornament that attracts God. Where faith is applied, stress is reduced. Have faith!
Let us not underestimate our faith and our potential; don’t give up on God because of the elements of disparity and segregation in the Church. Some people stopped coming to church because of the attitude of a brother or sister. The disciples couldn’t stop the woman. What appeared like an insult was in short, her miracle. Have faith, be positive-minded and take life easy, not crazy. She did not give up when Jesus gave her the offhand remark to put her off. She knew what she wanted. Be salvation-driven or heaven-oriented. Jesus rewarded the Canaanite woman’s faith by restoring her daughter. If we persevere, we shall be rewarded.
The first reading tells us that those who live by God’s word and are faithful to him will be joyful in his house. God desires that we be glad, not sad. Let us keep his precepts and be happy. Again, the second reading says God is merciful, and his mercy is always available to those who seek it. Beloved, seek God in faith, not tears, and he will be gracious and bless you.
LET US PRAY
O God, who have prepared for those who love you good things which no eye can see, fill our hearts, we pray, with the warmth of your love, so that, loving you in all things and above all things, we may attain your promises, which surpass every human desire. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Fr. Daniel Evbotokhai
