20th Sunday
Is 56:1, 6-7; Rom 11:13-15, 29-32; Mat 15:21-28
Exclusive or Inclusive?
In our daily lives, we constantly make choices about people—those we feel comfortable with and those we tend to avoid. Sometimes we say, “The chemistry just isn’t right,” and we quietly distance ourselves. At other times, our choices become more serious, even unfair, as we exclude others based on race, religion, social status, or background. We may even justify excluding those who do not believe or worship as we do.
But today’s readings challenge that mindset. They remind us that God is not exclusive—He is inclusive. His love is welcoming, forgiving, and open to all. His kingdom is not limited or selective; it is wide enough to embrace everyone. And so, we are invited to examine our own attitudes and break down the barriers we build.
A Test of Faith: In the Gospels, Jesus performs miracles not only for Jews but also for Gentiles. Two well-known examples are the healing of the centurion’s servant and the healing of the Canaanite woman’s daughter. These moments were significant because they showed that God’s saving love extends beyond one group—it is meant for all people.
In today’s Gospel, we encounter the Canaanite woman. She is not from the Jewish community; in fact, her people were traditionally seen as outsiders and even enemies. By cultural standards, she would have been excluded.
Yet she approaches Jesus with courage, asking Him to heal her daughter. Surprisingly, her request is not granted immediately. Instead, Jesus seems to resist her—three times. At first, He says He has been sent only to the lost sheep of Israel. Then comes a statement that sounds harsh: “It is not right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.”
At first glance, this may seem like rejection. But in reality, this moment reveals something deeper. Jesus is drawing out her faith. The word He uses for “dogs” refers not to wild animals, but to household pets—still a challenging expression, but not as harsh as it may sound.
The woman does not argue or walk away. Instead, she responds with humility and trust: “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.”
Her reply is remarkable. She accepts her position, yet she also expresses complete confidence in Jesus’ mercy. And this moves Jesus deeply. He responds, “Woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.” Her persistence, humility, and trust lead to healing—not only for her daughter, but as a lesson for all who hear this story.
Crossing Barriers: This woman’s faith stands out because it crosses every possible barrier.
First, she crosses cultural and racial boundaries. She approaches someone from a different community, even though she knows she may not be welcomed. Second, she refuses to be discouraged. Despite silence and apparent rejection, she continues to ask, to trust, and to hope. Third, she shows deep humility. She does not demand anything; she simply places herself before Jesus and trusts in His mercy.
Through this encounter, Jesus reveals something important: His mission is not limited. It reaches beyond boundaries of race, culture, and religion. God does not discriminate—He welcomes all who come to Him with faith.
This message is echoed in the prophet Isaiah, who declares that God’s house will be “a house of prayer for all peoples.” It is reinforced by St. Paul, who teaches that in Christ there is no division—no Jew or Greek—but all are one. Even Paul himself rejoices in bringing this message to the Gentiles, trusting that God’s mercy is meant for everyone.
Never Give Up! At the heart of this Gospel is a powerful lesson: never give up. The Canaanite woman shows us what true faith looks like. It is persistent, humble, and courageous. It does not give up easily, even when faced with silence or rejection.
History gives us similar examples. Winston Churchill struggled as a student and even failed at times. Yet later in life, he became a great leader and speaker. When asked to give a speech, he famously summarized his message in just three words: “Never give up.”
There is also a moving story from World War II. After a house in Cologne, Germany, was destroyed, workers found words written on a cellar wall by someone hiding from the Nazis. The message read: “I believe in the sun even when it is not shining. I believe in love even when I do not feel it. I believe in God even when He is silent.”
That is the kind of faith we are called to have—a faith that continues even in darkness, even in silence, even when answers do not come immediately. If we want to enter God’s kingdom, we need that same perseverance. A faith that crosses barriers. A faith that trusts deeply. A faith that never gives up.
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