August 17, 2014
20th Sunday Ordinary Time
Pope Francis is in South Korea, the first Papal visit to this Asian country in twenty years. He carried his own brief case, was transported in a small Kia and spoke English publicly for the first time. His itinerary includes meeting relatives of the 300 teens who died in the ferryboat disaster, disabled persons and immigrants. It is a mark of his pontificate, like his predecessors, to reach out to those who are often forgotten or left out to proclaim the Gospel and to convey the compassion of Jesus Christ.
Recognizing immigrants as brothers and sisters is not an easy thing to do. Every nation has a struggle to embrace persons perceived as different or alien. Ancient Israel had to face this challenge and move beyond a tribal mentality to embrace the vision of Isaiah where people from other nations will come to Jerusalem and the temple becomes a house of prayers for all peoples.
Jesus and his disciples are walking in a Gentile region when a Canaanite woman pleads loudly: “Have pity on me, Lord son of David! My daughter is tormented by a demon.†Jesus says not a word and his disciples tell him to send her away. Jesus speaks to her: “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.†Jesus cites a Jewish proverb that it is not proper to give food for children to the dogs. She engages Jesus: “Even dogs eat scraps that fall from the table.†Jesus is impressed by her great faith and persistence. Jesus heals her daughter. “Let I be done for you as you wish.â€
Locally, for 30 year Vive has been providing help to refugees and immigrants to obtain legal status in Canada or to move ahead on the path of citizenship in the United States. Some 90,000 persons have been assisted. Because of a lack of government funding and the inability on the part of Religious Communities of Women to underwrite the mission, Vive must close their doors September 30th. Bishop Malone has asked if we can make a donation to assist 60 current refugees and to help close down the facility. At this critical time, rather than a 2nd collection, as pastor I will send a parish contribution to support the staff at Vive during these remaining days of service.
The disciples of Jesus want him to send the foreigner away. Jesus however listens to the Canaanite woman’s appeal and heals her daughter. Catholics are challenged to follow the example of Jesus.
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19th Sunday Ordinary Time
