"My House Shall Be A House Of Prayer For All People" ~ by Ronnie Archer
In the first reading of this Twentieth Sunday, we hear that the blessings of the Lord will be bestowed on all of those who are righteous and just in the sight of the Lord. All people, Jews and Gentiles, are included in God's salvation.
In the Romans' reading, St. Paul emphasized that his ministry to the Gentiles was his primary mission, glorying in his ministry to provoke jealousy from the Jews, hoping to save some of them. Israel's acceptance of the Gospel will benefit the entire world. In their disobedience, God still showed them mercy; and His plan for them and for us is to be merciful to others.
In today's Gospel from Matthew, we once again hear the story of the Canaanite mother. Jesus had retired to a place where He did not want to be recognized. This woman was desperate because her daughter was possessed by evil spirits. She approached Jesus, begging Him to expel the demon from her child. Jesus did not answer her at first, but she was persistent. Then He told her that "it is not right to take the food of the children and give it to the dogs." The woman knew exactly what He meant, realizing that she was not one of the "children of Israel." Giving Him the respect, calling Him Lord, she told Him that "even the dogs get to eat the scraps from the Master's table." The woman showed great faith which was just what Jesus wanted to hear. When He saw what great faith she had, He told her: "For such a reply as that, go home, the demon has already left your daughter."
Every time someone "argues" with Jesus, He wins. The simplicity of the woman was impressive to Jesus. Faith moves Jesus Christ. The "food" in the Gospel refers to the Word of God. It cannot be given to anyone... apart from Jesus. We have to believe in, and accept Jesus. Humility and faith are what Jesus desires of us.
We do not move on our own being, but through God. Christ moves through us, so that others will know that Christ moves.
When we cannot think of any other way to pray, the simplicity of the prayer of the Canaanite woman is sufficient, "Lord Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me."
~ Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time ~
In the Romans' reading, St. Paul emphasized that his ministry to the Gentiles was his primary mission, glorying in his ministry to provoke jealousy from the Jews, hoping to save some of them. Israel's acceptance of the Gospel will benefit the entire world. In their disobedience, God still showed them mercy; and His plan for them and for us is to be merciful to others.
In today's Gospel from Matthew, we once again hear the story of the Canaanite mother. Jesus had retired to a place where He did not want to be recognized. This woman was desperate because her daughter was possessed by evil spirits. She approached Jesus, begging Him to expel the demon from her child. Jesus did not answer her at first, but she was persistent. Then He told her that "it is not right to take the food of the children and give it to the dogs." The woman knew exactly what He meant, realizing that she was not one of the "children of Israel." Giving Him the respect, calling Him Lord, she told Him that "even the dogs get to eat the scraps from the Master's table." The woman showed great faith which was just what Jesus wanted to hear. When He saw what great faith she had, He told her: "For such a reply as that, go home, the demon has already left your daughter."
Every time someone "argues" with Jesus, He wins. The simplicity of the woman was impressive to Jesus. Faith moves Jesus Christ. The "food" in the Gospel refers to the Word of God. It cannot be given to anyone... apart from Jesus. We have to believe in, and accept Jesus. Humility and faith are what Jesus desires of us.
We do not move on our own being, but through God. Christ moves through us, so that others will know that Christ moves.
When we cannot think of any other way to pray, the simplicity of the prayer of the Canaanite woman is sufficient, "Lord Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me."
~ Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time ~
Labels: sundayreflection
posted by mary ann @ Saturday, August 23, 2008
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