+ We have two wonderful scripture readings today to reflect on: the first reading from the Book of the Prophet Jeremiah tells us in a very poetic kind of language how delighted God is that his errant people have opened a way for him to return to their hearts so that he can in fact come back to them; and in return they will be welcomed once again back into their own lands – from which – out of justice God expelled them, because of their sins. How often has God had to expel himself from our lives because we just didn't want him being there? But, he is so willing to come back to us, when we once again turn back to him and open the door of our hearts to him!
The gospel passage from St. Matthew is powerful indeed. A Canaanite woman – an outcast from the Israelite community – and therefore a gentile – asks for healing for her daughter who is tormented by an evil spirit. Knowing full well that he will grant her request, Jesus nonetheless tests her faith and says in effect: you are a gentile and are asking a healing that is reserved for the people of Israel – it is not right to take food for the children of God and throw it to dogs! This seems a very harsh and insulting thing for Jesus to say: but the woman passes the test by simply saying– in faith, in fact with great faith: Please, Lord, even the dogs eat the scraps that fall from the table of their masters! Jesus, in hearing this response, is highly impressed and greatly relieved that someone is able to use faith in its proper way and allow it to bring blessing and healing into their life. May we today use our faith rightly – we who are not outcasts (unless we have made ourselves such) but children of God; may we ask for what we think we need, but rely on God to give us what we truly do need – for this day!
As the responsorial psalm refrain tells us: the Lord will guard us as a shepherd guards his flock!
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