In life, we all face unexpected hardships that can cause our faith to waver. Despite our best efforts, things can quickly go awry. Defeat may even be staring us right in the face. When confronted with insurmountable obstacles, what should our faith response be? On this 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time, we revisit the story of a Canaanite woman who had great faith that Jesus would heal her daughter. Similar to last week’s gospel of Jesus walking on water, we are reminded of what to do when we are confronted by life’s spiritual storms.
A Canaanite woman presents herself to Jesus with a benevolent request, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David! My daughter is severely demon-possessed.” She recognized the value that Jesus offered and cared nothing for show, approval, keeping tradition, or ritual purity, but simply knew the importance found in the tiniest things of God. She perseveres in her prayer. She “came and knelt before Him,” outwardly reinforcing her deep faith in Christ. We even hear her simple reply, “Lord, help me!”
Jesus states, “It is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.” Instead of the Canaanite woman becoming offended, resentful, or angry, she simply replies, “…yet even the little dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their master’s table.” Her faith shows a deep appreciation for who Jesus is, and becomes an act of perseverance, that God would do something wonderful in her midst. Jesus responds, “O woman, great is your faith! Let it be to you as you desire.” The daughter of the Canaanite woman was immediately “healed from that very hour.”
In today’s media, we hear the difficult plight of Syrian, Middle Eastern and Muslim refugees being treated badly, much like the Canaanite woman. Many people tend to look on any migrants, poor, or person of different culture or color with distrust and dislike. Our own response may be similar to that of the apostles; we may simply wish God to make them just go away. But instead, our gospel reminds us that God chooses to be merciful and answer their prayers. Jesus expects us, His servants, to do the same.
As we reflect this weekend on the Canaanite woman’s story of great faith, let us be inspired and challenged to assist others in exploring and deepening their own faith journey. May we support the Footsteps Ministry here at Holy Family who generously shares their wisdom and faith experience through the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults). Please let the Footsteps Ministry know of anyone who might benefit from exploring their faith as a catechumen or candidate. An Inquiry Session will be held Sunday, August 27th at 10:30am. Please keep the important work of this ministry in your prayers.
– Fr. Rich Jakubik
Oscar Romero was born in the town of Ciudad Barrios, El Salvador on August 15, 1917. At a very early age, Oscar showed great skills as a carpenter, but felt a strong calling to the priesthood. At age thirteen, he spoke with a Bishop about attending the local seminary. He was ordained in Rome in 1942 at the age of 25.
Oscar had a quiet demeanor, yet his words were powerful and he became a legendary preacher. He was martyred behind the altar as he preached in El Salvador on March 24, 1980 because of his critical and public stance against both the right-wing government forces and the leftist guerrillas involved in his country’s civil war.
On the 100 anniversary of Oscar Romero’s birth, his courage and actions cannot be forgotten as he is a model of what the Gospels speak of and what Pope Francis describes as “smelling of the sheep.” He stood up for the lost and forgotten, much like the woman in today’s reading, an “outsider” asking for pity on her daughter tormented by a demon. He was relentless in his pursuit to speak the truth, even though he knew it would cost him his life.
Oscar’s faith was deep. God has graced us with many people of deep faith, some have passed and some still living, who we can draw strength from, especially in times of unrest and uncertainty. Oscar’s quiet approach was described as “deliberate bearing, like one who is not hurried to arrive because he knows he will get there”. I’m quite certain he was a man of contemplation and deep prayer, never rushing to judgment, always seeking God’s guidance and wisdom. Oscar was a man of prayer and action.
Holy Family is blessed to have an Adoration Chapel on the east side of our worship space and a Social Justice Wall on the west side. One is used for prayer and adoration, the other is used to inspire action. These two spaces were intentionally placed adjacent to our worship space and are complementary to each other. In terms of justice and mercy, prayer and action go hand-in-hand. There are many opportunities at Holy Family to act for justice and mercy, guided by prayer. As Director of the Human Concerns Community, our faith calls us to action guided by the seven principles of Catholic social teaching. All seven principles will be published in more detail in the bulletin throughout the year.
Prayer and Action are two very important components of our faith. Let us continue to be inspired by servants such as Oscar Romero who lived life guided by prayer leading to significant action for the common good.
– Sue Geegan, Director of Human Concerns
Our local communities, state and nation continue to experience violence due to hatred and intolerance. All forms of violence must be condemned. As Pope Francis stated “It is neither a culture of confrontation or conflict which builds harmony within and between peoples, but rather a culture of encounter and
of dialogue; this is the only way to peace.” As people of faith, may Holy Family Catholic Community have the courage to pursue encounter and dialogue to overcome hatred and intolerance.