Twentieth Sunday of the Year (Year A)

 Twentieth Sunday of the Year August 20, 2023

Isaiah 56:1, 6-7   Romans 11:13-15, 29-32 Matthew 15:21-28

(Image courtesy: Google)

There is an Aesop fable which tells the story of a rabbit and a hunting dog. One day when the dog was out hunting he flushed a rabbit from the thicket and gave chase. The frightened rabbit ran its heart out and eventually escaped. As the dog headed home it passed a farmer who taunted him saying, “You are a fine hunter. Aren’t you ashamed to let a rabbit one-tenth of your size outrun you and get away?” The dog answered, “Ah, but sir, I was only running for my supper, the rabbit was running for his life!” This rabbit was running faster than the fastest man in the world! In today’s gospel we hear a dialogue between Jesus and a Canaanite woman. The woman’s single-mindedness for her daughter’s healing is rewarded. It reminds us of the words of Dwight Eisenhower: “What counts is not necessarily the size of the dog in the fight – it is the size of the fight in the dog.” Run for your life and you will win the race.

Today, we find ourselves immersed in a powerful Gospel encounter that challenges us to examine the depth and resilience of our faith. We witness a remarkable interaction between Jesus and a Canaanite woman—a story that teaches us invaluable lessons about unwavering faith, transcending boundaries, and the transformative power of belief in our lives.

Imagine the scene: a desperate mother from a foreign land approaches Jesus, imploring Him to heal her tormented daughter. But Jesus responds with what seems like a disheartening remark, saying, "It is not right to take the food of the children and throw it to the dogs." At first glance, His words might shock us. Yet, the woman's response is nothing short of extraordinary: "Please, Lord, for even the dogs eat the scraps that fall from the table of their masters."

In this powerful exchange, we witness the essence of unyielding faith. The Canaanite woman's response is not one of indignation or discouragement, but rather a demonstration of her profound trust in the power and compassion of Jesus. She refuses to be deterred by obstacles, misunderstanding, or cultural barriers. Her faith remains steadfast, rooted in a belief that even the smallest gesture of grace from Jesus can bring healing and transformation.

This woman's faith challenges us to examine our own spiritual lives. How often do we allow challenges, doubts, or societal divisions to weaken our faith? Do we possess the resolute trust that this Canaanite woman exhibited, a trust that remains unwavering even when faced with difficulties? Her example teaches us that genuine faith perseveres, remains resilient, and continues to believe even when faced with seemingly insurmountable odds.

Moreover, the Canaanite woman's faith transcends boundaries. She breaks through societal norms and cultural barriers to approach Jesus. She is a foreigner, an outsider, yet her faith bridges the gap. In a world often divided by differences, prejudices, and boundaries, her example serves as a poignant reminder that true faith knows no limits. It is a force that unites, that sees the inherent dignity and worth of every individual, and that reaches out across barriers to seek the love and mercy of Christ.

Jesus Himself acknowledges and praises the woman's faith, saying, "O woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish." Her faith moved the heart of Jesus, and her daughter was healed instantly. This encounter reveals the profound connection between faith and God's transformative power. It underscores that our belief is not in vain—it is a force that can move mountains, heal wounds, and bring about lasting change in our lives and in the world around us.

As we reflect on this Gospel passage, let us also reflect on the mountains in our own lives that need moving. These mountains may take the form of personal struggles, doubts, fears, or divisions in our relationships and communities. The Canaanite woman's faith teaches us that with unwavering trust in God, we can overcome these obstacles and experience the healing and transformation we seek.

In our journey of faith, let us strive to be like the Canaanite woman: persistent, humble, and unyielding. Let us cultivate a faith that breaks down barriers and embraces all, a faith that recognizes the sacred worth of every human being and reaches out in love and compassion. Just as her faith moved the heart of Jesus, may our faith move mountains in our lives and in the lives of those we encounter.

In conclusion, let us be inspired by the Canaanite woman's unyielding faith. May we embrace challenges as opportunities to deepen our trust in God, to transcend boundaries that divide us, and to experience the transformative power of a faith that moves mountains. As we partake in this Eucharistic celebration, let us ask the Lord to strengthen our faith, to help us break down the barriers that separate us from one another, and to empower us to live lives that reflect the unifying and transformative message of the Gospel. May our faith be our guiding light, leading us closer to Christ and enabling us to move mountains of adversity through His grace.

Happy Sunday