August 14, 2011
20th Sunday Ordinary Time
We hear birds singing in the morning and at night crickets chirping. It seems all of creation desires to communicate in someway. We tweet, text, converse on cell phones and yet our communication with neighbors, co-workers and families often breaks down. What is true locally occurs on a grand scale nationally. Imagine a Palestinian woman/mother coming to an Israeli military medic on occupied land asking for healing for her daughter. If we appreciate the tension and conflict in that real life scenario then we better understand the dynamic taking place in the Gospel. Jesus withdraws to the region of Tyre and Sidon with his disciples. A Canaanite mother pleads for her daughter. Jesus seems to ignore her petition. The disciples ask Jesus to dismiss her. Jesus explains his mission is to the House of Israel -- his own Jewish community. The mother, not put off, kneels before Jesus expressing homage and also blocking his way. Jesus uses a derogatory word "dog" showing the animosity between these two peoples. The woman persists saying even crumbs can fall from the table and feed the dogs. Jesus, deeply impressed by the woman's faith and obvious love for her daughter, heals the girl. This woman is an inspiration to us in finding a way to communicate -- with God in prayer and with persons near and far. Here at Mass we enter a profound communication. We listen and reflect on God's Word and then receive the gift of God's love and presence in Holy Communion. After Eucharist we become God's message of hope to the world.
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19th Sunday Ordinary Time
