The liturgical readings last Sunday (Aug 17) were all on the theme of “outsiders” (non-Jews) being welcome in God’s house, provided they meet the requirements of His law (worship, sacrifice and good works) and are pleasing in His sight. They must join the family of God’s chosen people in humility and charity.
The Gospel has puzzled many because Jesus rebuffs the Canaanite woman twice (harshly) when she asks him to heal her daughter. This does not square with our image of a kind and generous Son of God. He does not appear to show mercy or tolerance or generosity.
None of this is consistent with the human side of Jesus. Think about how gracious he is, what a good listener, how ready to heal, to show compassion, to embrace those in need. How he wept when Lazarus died. How he agreed to perform a miracle at Cana although it was not the appointed time for him to begin doing wondrous works. How he behaved during his passion and crucifixion.
So, the question remains: Why did Jesus brush off the Canaanite woman (who begged and pleaded with him)? His answer suggests discrimination: "I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel” and again, “It is not right to take the food of the children and throw it to the dogs.” These were the typical responses of the Jewish people. The outsider was not “chosen,” therefore is likened to a dog.
Why did he treat her so harshly? The answer is: to test her faith and get her to realize that “healing” comes after a person has accepted God in faith. Healing is not a “gimme some of that.” It is a privilege of those who believe. It flows from your belief and your faith. We are healed not just because of our faith but actually by that very faith.
The conversion of the heart must precede everything else. Ours is a jealous God. He wants us to be ALL HIS. We may fail and stumble but the commitment, the attitude, the promise must be in the heart.
It was also a lesson for all who were watching and listening. Jesus first showed respect for the Jewish tradition and for the chosen people. As St Paul says in Rom 1:16, “To the Jews first and then to the Greeks.” He then proceeded to show compassion and stretched out his hand to heal the woman’s daughter. By doing so he was demonstrating to the onlookers that God’s generosity can be freely given to the outsider and the outcast.
Today’s gospel (Wed., Aug 20) is about the parable of the man who pays his workers the same wage regardless of how long they worked on the job. When they complain, He says, “Did you not agree to be paid a fair wage?” He tells them to go away happy and not worry about how the others are paid. He says, Who are you to tell God that He cannot be generous with His own resources?
What a powerful message! In expanded form, it means that those who were born in the faith should serve God but should not be jealous when He showers blessings and redemption on others who are late-comers to the faith. We should not make comparisons. (The parable of the prodigal son makes a similar point.)
Lastly, we should note that God rewards the Canaanite woman for her perseverance. That’s how He wants us to persist in our prayer, in wanting to be close to Him and feel the joy of His presence and consolation.
It is also a lesson for us on how we should be HOPEFUL about others, ourselves, and the world in general. Hope is a kind of prayer of confidence in God. We should not give up on the world or on other people.
Most of all, we should not stop fighting for justice and peace.
Stephen
