Is 56:1, 6-7
Rom 11:13-15, 29-32
Mt 15:21-28

Inclusion

The readings for this Sunday highlight that God wills that all the world to be saved. In the first reading from Isaiah, the Israelites learn that foreigners who follow the decrees of the Lord are also able to worship God. In the second reading from Romans, Paul speaks of his ministry to the Gentiles. In the gospel of Matthew, we see Jesus expanding his ministry beyond the Israelites to a gentile, a Canaanite woman.

In almost every gospel story we see Jesus treating people with care and compassion. Sunday’s gospel story reveals a side of Jesus not seen before. When  the Canaanite woman approaches Jesus to heal her daughter possessed by a demon, Jesus ignores her. The disciples even suggest sending her away. Jesus says he came only to save the Israelites. The woman, as any good parent would do, is persistent in asking for a cure for her daughter.

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

In this story, Jesus has left his home area in Galilee to travel to Tyre and Sidon which are in gentile territory. It is not surprising then that he is approached by the Canaanite woman. What is surprising is the initial treatment of the woman by Jesus, to Jesus growing in his mission by accepting her and meeting her need. This is an instance of Jesus making a radical change in his mission to include gentiles as well. This risk of his is not a one time affair. We sometime forget that the Son of God also takes many risks in his public ministry with lepers, Samaritans and Pharisees.

The refrain for the Responsorial Psalm clues us into the key understanding of Sunday’s readings. “O God, let all the nations praise you!” The mission and ministry of Jesus is not exclusive. It is intended to be for the benefit of everyone. 

The message for us is very clear. We are never to be exclusive in our acceptance of others. This teaching extends far beyond accepting “outsiders” into our religious community. It means that we are ALL God’s children and all are deserving of acceptance into our communities. 

Who are the outsiders in our communities today and how do we accept them?

How can we reach out to those who are seeking to break through barriers in order to encounter Jesus? To be accepted in our communities?