Wednesday of the Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time. Year II. Reflection by Rev Fr Oselumhense Anetor (Uromi Diocese)
Jer.31:1-7; Matt.15:21-28
We love house-dogs. Don’t we? I have a wonderful pet dog myself, Caesar. He exhibits extraordinary intelligence in all ramifications. But that does not mean I would take kindly to being called a house dog. In biblical times, dogs were considered very unclean creatures. It was a big insult to be directly or indirectly called a dog. Why would Jesus ignore the Canaanite woman’s pleas in the first place and then indirectly call her a dog when she asked for some help? It was all a test of her faith. The woman passed the test, and got what she wanted.
Friends, God assures Jeremiah in the first reading that He’ll be the God of all the clans of Israel. This is what Jesus Christ demonstrates in the gospel reading by extending blessings to a woman not of the house of Israel. God’s love for us is eternal and everlasting. In his sight, everyone who believes in Him is saved already. We must remember that none is too holy that s/he cannot err, and none too sinful, that s/he cannot be forgiven. When the next challenge comes, do not let your faith in God waver.
Prayer
May we, like the Canaanite woman, learn to ask whatever we desire from God with humility, wisdom and faith, Amen.
Good morning dear. God bless your day ahead.
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