20TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR (A)
MYSTERY OF THE DAY: Glorious
TABLE OF THE WORD: Isaiah 56:1.6-7; Romans 11:13-15.29-32; Matthew 15:21-28.
THEME: Amidst the "stony" silence of God.
THE WORD
"It is not fair to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs." She said, "Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table." Then Jesus answered her, "O woman, great is your faith!" (Matthew15:26-28)
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Dearest friend(s) in Christ, a beautiful evening Sunday to you (all). As we are retiring to bed in thanksgiving to God for the day well spent, and a hopeful hope for those who had it rough today; I wish to tell you that our tomorrow will be better than today. Therefore keep your faith high!
From today's Table of the Word I wish to reflect with you on the Words from the gospel pericope (Matthew 15:21-28). The story of faith and perseverance. Recounting the event that took place when Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon [Tyre and Sidon were ancient, coastal cities located north of Galilee along the Mediterranean Sea, in modern Lebanon. Sidon was founded by Canaanites (cf. Genesis 10:15; 10:19; I Chronicles 1:13)]
when a Canannite woman approached Him and begged Him to heal her daughter who was tormented by demon. Jesus showed her "a dead silence" the very silence that was enough for her to retreat from pestering on Him. As if that was not enough, when He broke the silence, our Lord's response reminded her of her background using the image of a "dog."
However, in the Biblical usage the image of a dog portrays uncleanness, object of humiliation etc. For instance, the terms "dog," "dog's head," "dead dog," were used as terms of reproach or of humiliation (cf. 1 Samuel 24:14 ; 2 Sam 3:8 ; 9:8 ; 16:9 ). Paul calls false apostles "dogs" (cf. Phil 3:2 ). Those who are shut out of the kingdom of heaven are also so designated with the term "dog" (cf. Revelation 22:15).
Amidst this disregard and humiliation because she was a Canannite woman she stood firm in her faith believing that Jesus is the only healing master.
INSPIRATION
In our prayer life, or moment of hope in God for what we are yet to receive, do we have perseverance in mind? Or do we think that just a few words of request is enough to get it done. I don't think so, the scenario in today's gospel brings before us a touching lesson; on perseverance in prayer no matter how tough and prolong the circumstances may linger.
The stony silence of God has never been known to be "No" but an invitation to make a paradigm shift from the former place to a new location. In the case of this woman she was on her feet while crying for help, but when Christ turned to her, she hurriedly knelt before Him saying:
"Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table." Indeed, she was moved with faith, that even if it is impossible, but with Him all protocols can be put away. We on our part must kneel before God so as to stand before men.
Finally, beloved in Christ, amidst every trials and tribulations, with God no matter any protocol we will triumph provided we are ready to relocate from the former to the latter. Remember, new wine must be in new wine skin. Peace be with you!
PRAYER
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. We make our prayer through our Lord Jesus Christ who lives and reigns forever and ever. Amen.
+ May the Lord grant us a quiet night and a perfect end. Amen.
(c) The ARCHIVE 20082023
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