In our second reading today from the Letter of St. Paul to the Romans, Paul proclaims: "the gifts and the call of God are irrevocable!" And they are for "both Jews and Gentiles!" It had already been established at this point that St. Peter would be the Apostle to the Jewish people – in order to convince them that the long-awaited Messiah had indeed come: and that it was Jesus who was murdered by them and the Romans, and indeed all mankind by reason of inclusion in the family of Adam.
St. Paul was chosen by Jesus to take the gospel message to everyone else: to the Gentiles – telling them, that it had been God's desire all along to include them in the plan of salvation. God delivered all to disobedience, that he might have mercy upon all: by the obedience of his Son, Jesus – who was obedient even unto death on the Cross, for us!
The beautiful imagery of the first reading reiterates this universal call to all people to gather on the holy mountain of the Lord [as they would in a house of worship]. Not only those who were allowed on the mountain – the people of Israel could now go there – but foreigners as well – so long as they kept the Sabbath and held to the covenant. This would be a time of rejoicing and feasting and prayer on that mountain. Sacrifice to God would be acceptable to him; and just as on that holy mountain, the house of God anywhere, would be a house [a mountain] of prayer for all people!
We are standing right now in such a place – this is a house and a mountain of prayer – and ALL are invited to come in and be with us and to investigate the possibility of learning about the "New Covenant," the "New Commandment," and the "New Lamb of God" – JESUS CHRIST! as he manifests himself fully in the Catholic Church.
In the gospel passage today Jesus tests a woman's faith in order to point out to her (and to all of us) what is important for those who gather here in this place: and that is FAITH. Even those who might feel themselves to be outcasts, like the woman that Jesus goes so far in his testing of her to call a "dog," - if they have FAITH IN JESUS (even the smallest amount) and believe in his power to MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THEIR LIVES – they can ask for his help, and he will help them!
Would that Jesus could say of us: Child of God – what great faith you have!
It is not as difficult as one might think! God the Father freely gives the gift of faith to those who ask! All we need to do is to foster it and nurture it, once we possess it! Let us ask for an increase, or a birth, of faith: NOW!
O God, let all the nations praise you!
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