Matthew 15:21-28 NRSVue
21Jesus left that place and went away to the district of Tyre and Sidon. 22Just then a Canaanite woman from that region came out and started shouting, “Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David; my daughter is tormented by a demon.” 23But he did not answer her at all. And his disciples came and urged him, saying, “Send her away, for she keeps shouting after us.” 24He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” 25But she came and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, help me.” 26He answered, “It is not fair to take the children’s food and throw it to the dogs.” 27She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.” 28Then Jesus answered her, “Woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.” And her daughter was healed from that moment.
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Some thoughts on this scripture
Reflection
This is not the first biblical figure to argue with the Lord: Genesis and
Exodus tell of times when Abraham and Moses gave out to God. This woman is
different from the scribes who often tried to trap Jesus with arguments. She
is begging for her daughter. There is something teasing and humorous about
Jesus' first reply to her. He enjoyed that Semitic style of thrust and
counter. His first response is what we often experience in prayer: no give.
But a mother seeking health for her child is not easily deterred, and Jesus
rewards her persistence -- I imagine him smiling as he blesses her.
Reflection
Lord I want to remember this. When I want something badly, I will keep after
you and if necessary give out to you.
Reflection
We admire the mother or father who really fights for their child. They won't
take no for an answer if their child is being bullied or treated unjustly in
any way, they will fight for the best medical treatment for their sick child.
The woman in the gospel is like that. She has a sick child and really wants
healing. Who would not want the same? She almost forces Jesus into curing her
little daughter. Her persistence is an effect of her faith, and because of
her faith Jesus cures her child.
Reflection
There are many ways to ‘hear' words. They can be just sound, external
meaning, like giving information or directions. The word of God is more like
the word of a friend, spoken to the mind and to the heart. Or it is like the
words of a caring parent giving advice or directions out of love. The Word of
God gives meaning to life and is spoken always in love. Prayer is giving time
to hearing this word on the deepest levels of our heart.
Reflection
‘Dogs' was a name for the Gentiles - and in this story the woman plays on
its meaning to get Jesus to feed the dogs and, in this way, care for her.
Maybe this is a ‘change moment' for Jesus when he realises through this
poor woman that he is sent not only to his own lost ones, but that his
mission is for the whole world.
Reflection
In the tradition preserved for us in the Scriptures, Jesus is presented to us as a formidable debater but in this instance the Canaanite woman comfortably wins the debating point. Jesus praises the woman for her faith but what was her faith? What did she believe about Jesus? One would love to know her subsequent history. Did this act of Jesus mark a turning point in her life? We do not know.