All of our readings today focus on the universality of the Kingdom of Heaven. Ethnicity, race, age, religious affiliation, physical or mental ability, social status, wealth, gender or profession are not important in God’s eyes. What is important is the intensity of our faith, our love of God, our obedience to God’s Word and our actions. Speaking through the Prophet Isaiah, God tells the exiled people of Israel in the first reading, “Observe what is right, do what is just; for my salvation is about to come, my justice, about to be revealed” (Isaiah 56:1) Anyone who follows these precepts is welcomed into God’s “house of prayer for all peoples” (Isaiah 56:7).
Given this message of universality, St. Matthew’s description of Jesus and his encounter with the Canaanite woman in our Gospel today, Matthew 15:21-28, is disturbing. He insults her, calling her a dog. He clearly has a problem with her cry for help. What is going on here? This is one of those readings that must be examined in context (like our 1st reading about Elijah last week).
St. Matthew wrote his gospel for the Jewish people. His focus is on the mission of Jesus “to the lost sheep of the house of Israel” (Matt. 15:24). However, the House of Israel, particularly the Scribes and the Pharisees, reject Jesus. He travels to “the region of Tyre and Sidon,” pagan, Phoenician cities, to take a break from the harassment of the Scribes and Pharisees and the hordes of people constantly making demands on him. The first thing that happens when he arrives in this pagan place is an encounter with a pagan woman, crying out to him “Lord, help me.” Canaanites were ancestral enemies of the Jews. Cursed by Noah, they were considered “The lowest of slaves “(Gen 9:25). She is not part of Jesus’ plan. However, driven by love for her daughter, the woman’s quick wit, humility, persistence and great faith carry the day. Her prayer is answered; her daughter is healed.
For St. Matthew this is a teaching moment. Jesus is showing the disciples that God’s mercy and love extend far beyond their level of experience or understanding. It is not just for them. It is for all of us. And, like the Psalmist, we should all cry out: “May God have pity on us and bless us; may he let his face shine upon us. So may your way be known upon earth; among all nations, your salvation” (Psalm 67:2-3).
Almighty God, ever-loving Father,
your care extends beyond the boundaries of race and nation
to the hearts of all who live.
May the walls, which prejudice raises between us,
crumble beneath the shadow of your outstretched arm.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen
