August 16, 2020: Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Reading: Matthew 15:21-28

Jesus went to a region of Tyre and Sidon where a Canaanite woman approached him, calling out to him, “Have pity on me, Lord, son of David, my daughter is tormented by a demon.”  His disciples asked if they should send her away for she was calling out to them? In reply he told them,” I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. But the woman, not giving up, came, doing him homage, saying, “Lord, help me… . Please Lord, even the dogs eat the scraps that fall from the table of their masters.” Then Jesus replied, “O woman, great is your faith.  Let it be done to you as you wish.” And her daughter was healed from that hour.

Reflection:

Once again, we see Jesus reminding his disciples who they are to serve. The mother of the disabled child does not give up and challenges Jesus to help her daughter. He seems to see it as an opportunity to rethink his own responses. (He is, after all God and human!) Jesus seems to be saying, I think I am sent to this group, and yet, here is a simple woman of enormous faith. She makes her case and Jesus responds to her faith and grants her request.

Action:

Who are the persons who are calling out to you now (be specific)? Do you, like the disciples, want them to go away, and not disturb Jesus (or you)? What action could you take?