Reflection on the Gospel Reading for 8.3.2002

 

 

Gospel  MT 15:21-28

At that time Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon.

And behold, a Canaanite woman of that district came and called out,

“Have pity on me, Lord, Son of David!

My daughter is tormented by a demon.”

But he did not say a word in answer to her.

His disciples came and asked him,

“Send her away, for she keeps calling out after us.”

He said in reply,

“I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.”

But the woman came and did him homage, saying, “Lord, help me.”

He said in reply,

“It is not right to take the food of the children

and throw it to the dogs.”

She said, “Please, Lord, for even the dogs eat the scraps

that fall from the table of their masters.”

Then Jesus said to her in reply,

“O woman, great is your faith!

Let it be done for you as you wish.”

And her daughter was healed from that hour.

My initial feeling when reading the Gospel reading for August 3, was, in the voice of Cher Horowitz of the 90s hit movie Clueless, "Ouch, way harsh, Jesus."  I felt rejection as the Canaanite woman, being likened to a dog. But knowing what I know about Jesus, I realized I must be missing something. Jesus is loving.  Jesus ultimately heals her daughter.  Surely, there was more to this.

So I reviewed a few reflections of this Gospel.  It did help a little that some indicated that the word used for dogs is more akin to "puppies" and making me think of a beloved pet.

More than that, I found a few takeaways that resonated with me.  First, with Jesus, there is always more than enough.  The children aren't going to starve by giving food to the pets.  The food is abundant.  When Jesus performed the miracle of the loaves and bread, knowing full well how many people were there to eat, there were baskets of leftovers.  And for the mission of the disciples, there would be plenty of Jesus to bring to the gentiles.  I wonder if the Apostles had considered that their future work would be bringing Jesus to those outside of the house of Israel.

Second, Jesus' silence isn't a "no".  "But he did not say a word in answer to her."  As in other teachings, we should persevere in prayer.  I'm not sure why God likes to be asked so many times.  In Luke 11:5-13, Jesus speaks of a neighbor who will get up to get bread if the one man keeps asking.  I once was not feeling well while away at college.  Spring allergies had just hit.  I called home to ask if my parents would come pick me up.  They told me to ride it out.  An hour or so later, I called, asking again.  My parents came to pick me up.   I think when it's important to us, we'll keep asking.  This woman's daughter was important to her and she would risk the potential embarrassment that could come from trying and failing, multiple times if necessary.  

Third, faith changes things.  I'm reminded of Jesus lauding the hemorrhaging woman's faith in Mark 5:25-34: "Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace and be cured of your disease."  

I do think that what I'm asking for from God is in line with His will.  And so let me not take His silence as a "no" but, instead, exercise faith that there is more than enough when it comes to Jesus.