20th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A 20th August 2023
Lectionary Readings:
Isaiah 56 v1, 6-8; Psalm 67; Romans 11 v1-2a, 29-32; Matthew 15 v21-28.
The ‘bigger picture’ requires a ‘bigger heart’.
In the gospel reading, the focus is on a mother’s concern for her daughter’s health. In Paul’s letter the focus is on two sets of people – Jews and Gentiles. In the Old Testament reading, the focus is broader still, “All nations will be part of God’s people”.
All these readings challenge us to adopt a bigger (more compassionate) heart; to see the ‘bigger picture’, the world as God sees it. All humankind is within God’s view, each and every person is loved by God.
Paul argues that God has not withdrawn his favour towards us, rather that we, humankind, (Jews and Gentiles) sometimes reject Him. But, thankfully for us, God is merciful, kind and loving. (Romans 11 v31/32).
Such love is shown by Jesus in his healing ministry towards the Canaanite woman and her daughter.
Her perseverance and understanding of the way Jesus reveals God’s love for all, regardless of ethnicity, wins praise from Jesus for her faith.
In this story as in many others in the gospels, Jesus does not respond immediately; he seems to take a few moments to discern the motive behind the request. Jesus then thinks about how he might frame a reply that brings glory to God and at the same time help his disciples understand who he really is, and what the Kingdom of God looks like when related to everyday life.
The challenge to us is to examine our own motives before we take action; and to reflect upon whether our ‘world-view’ is as wide, inclusive and compassionate as God would like it to be.
Hymn writer Alan Gaunt reminds us of God’s love for humankind. (Singing the Faith 8).
God with us: Creator, Father, bringing everything to birth;
Mother of the whole creation fire of stars and life of earth:
down the countless years composing, from the earth’s evolving night,
love’s response to love, and forming mind and soul to seek your light.
God with us: Redeemer, Brother, Friend for ever at our side,
here, in flesh, you walked among us, taking up your cross, you died.
Crucified, despised, rejected, Perfect Love, who shared our shame,
streaming from the cross, your judgement, full of mercy, clears our name.
God with us: Unwearied Spirit, from the birth of time and space,
surging through unconscious being, joyful, Life-Creating Grace:
through the centuries you find us; you, as God, inspire our prayer;
Life and Power at work within us, Love for ever, everywhere!
God, Transcendent, far beyond us, closest Friend, unfailing Guide:
through the ages, wronged, affronted, in your poor, still crucified!
God with us: convict, forgive us; by your holy love destroy
all that hinders peace and justice: fill this aching world with joy!
Bible quotations are taken from the Contemporary English Version.