August 16, 2026: 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Gospel: Matthew 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 Jesus did not say a word in answer to her. Jesus’ disciple 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 Jesus 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 the woman’s daughter was healed from that hour.

Reflection

I absolutely love this passage from Scripture! The Canaanite woman was not to be denied. Forget that she was a foreigner, forget that the disciples wanted to send her away and that Jesus’ reply seemed to agree with them and dismiss her.

The woman stayed, did Jesus homage and asked again for Jesus to help her daughter. She receives another rebuke, but uses Jesus own words in replying that “even the dogs eat scraps from the Master’s table.”

What a great response! Jesus finally declares, “O woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.”

Action

How does my faith stack up to the Canaanite woman in today’s Gospel? Do I have a real conversation with God about my needs and the needs of others? In prayer, do I “give up” too easily?