August 20, 2017

Gospel: Mt 15:21-28
Leaving that place, Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon. A Canaanite woman from the area, came and cried out, “Lord, Son of David, have pity on me! My daughter is tormented by a demon.” But Jesus did not answer her, not even a word. So his disciples approached him and said, “Send her away! See how she is shouting after us.”
Then Jesus said to her, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the nation of Israel.”
But the woman was already kneeling before Jesus, and said, “Sir, help me!” Jesus answered, “It is not right to take the bread from the children and throw it to puppies.” The woman replied, “That is true, sir, but even puppies eat the crumbs which fall from their master’s table.” Then Jesus said, “Woman, how great is your faith! Let it be as you wish.” And her daughter was healed at that moment.

REFLECTION:
Read: God’s house is a house of prayer for all peoples, irrespective of their race, religion, color, or nationality. Jesus affirms this reality by healing the daughter of the Canaanite woman. Paul reiterates this fact by declaring that the call of God is for all peoples, and cannot be nullified.
Reflect: We live in paradoxical times: Amidst the growing globalization, we also face the reality of growing narrow-mindedness, ethnocentrism, and tribalism. Religious fundamentalism, cultural intolerance, and national jingoism are on the rise. In such scenario, how open and receptive are you in seeing the face of Christ in the other who is different in religion, race, culture, and color?
Pray: Let us pray for the gift of dynamic tolerance that can help us embrace the other as brother/sister.
Act: Have a dialogue with a person of another faith, with the intention of listening and understanding him/her without prejudgment.