First Reading Jeremiah 31:1-7
Psalm Jer. 31:10.11-12ab.13 (R. see 10d)
Gospel Matthew 15: 21-28
Even when we think we are outside the domain God's plan suffices for us too; for there is no disparity, no differentiation, unlikeness, state of being unequal of any sort when we deal with issues concerning God's love. God's mercy and compassion envelopes even the unsightly of society.
Today's Gospel situates Jesus in a foreign land, in the region of Tyre and Sidon. This region, with the Tyre and Sidon as very important towns, located along the Mediterranean, are found in Phoenicia, a Gentile state, so to say. This properly belongs to the Greeks. In this region, Jesus encounters a woman whose daughter was possessed.
However, the Gospel is also told by Mark (cf. Mk. 7: 24-30). While Matthew identifies the woman as a Canaanite, Mark identifies her as a Syro-Phoenician.
Israelites conceive (and still do) of themselves as the only people who could receive the gratifying portions from God. All other nations are dogs. Dog, to the Jews, is associated with violence and uncleanliness and feeds from the surplus of its master's table. Hence, other nations are unclean and should feed from the surplus of the Jews. They are conceived as ignorant of God's law. Israelites see themselves as the delight, the favourite of God.
Today, we hear Jesus going beyond the boundaries of his domain, his home, his people and working among the proclaimed dogs, the unclean ones. He is making them clean. This is exemplified by the healing of the woman's daughter after the woman persisted and exhibited faith amidst resistance.
This act of healing in a foreign land sets the pace for mission to and among the Gentiles. St. Paul and many others will be found working among the Gentiles.
Most times we are locked in our prejudice about people. We hold tribal misconceptions and wallow in the depths of ignorance. Jesus teaches us to go beyond our domain. We cannot be outside the box and try to see what is within. We have to get into it . This will result in the laying off of fear and expressing love to all, regardless of race, age, gender, and class. We have to find it convenient enough to stay with others. Discrimination is of no use.
Pax et Bonum
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