Daily Readings - Sun Aug 20 2017

Second Reading - Romans 11.13-15, 29-32

¹³For I say to you Gentiles: Certainly, as long as I am an Apostle to the Gentiles, I will honor my ministry¹⁴in such a way that I might provoke to rivalry those who are my own flesh, and so that I may save some of them¹⁵For if their loss is for the reconciliation of the world, what could their return be for, except life out of death²⁹For the gifts and the call of God are without regret³⁰And just as you also, in times past, did not believe in God, but now you have obtained mercy because of their unbelief³¹so also have these now not believed, for your mercy, so that they might obtain mercy also³²For God has enclosed everyone in unbelief, so that he may have mercy on everyone

Gospel - Matthew 15.21-28

Matthew

Chapter 15

²¹And departing from there, Jesus withdrew into the areas of Tyre and Sidon²²And behold, a woman of Canaan, going out from those parts, cried out, saying to him: "Take pity on me, Lord, Son of David. My daughter is badly afflicted by a demon.²³He did not say a word to her. And his disciples, drawing near, petitioned him, saying: "Dismiss her, for she is crying out after us.²⁴And responding, he said, "I was not sent except to the sheep who have fallen away from the house of Israel.²⁵But she approached and adored him, saying, "Lord, help me.²⁶And responding, he said, "It is not good to take the bread of the children and cast it to the dogs.²⁷But she said, "Yes, Lord, but the young dogs also eat from the crumbs that fall from the table of their masters.²⁸Then Jesus, responding, said to her: "O woman, great is your faith. Let it be done for you just as you wish." And her daughter was healed from that very hour

Sermon

The readings today invite us to reflect on the universal nature of God's mercy and the power of persistent faith. In Romans, Paul addresses the Gentiles, emphasizing that God's gifts are irrevocable and that His mercy extends beyond the Jews to all people. He explains that the Gentiles' inclusion in God's plan is a result of the Jews' unbelief, yet both are called to receive God's mercy. This theological discussion underscores the idea that God's plan is inclusive, embracing all humanity. In the Gospel, Matthew recounts the story of a Canaanite woman who approaches Jesus for her daughter's healing. Initially, Jesus seems reluctant, focusing on his mission to the lost sheep of Israel. However, the woman's persistence and faith move Jesus to act, demonstrating that His mercy is not confined to one group. This narrative illustrates the expansion of God's love beyond cultural and religious boundaries, highlighting the importance of faith and perseverance. These readings remind us that God's love knows no bounds. They encourage us to embrace diversity and inclusion, recognizing that everyone is part of God's plan. Like the Canaanite woman, we should approach life with persistent faith, trusting in God's universal mercy. Let us reflect on our own inclusivity and openness to others, inspired by the lessons of today's readings.