Daily Readings - Sun Aug 20 2017
Second Reading - Romans 11.13-15, 29-32
Romans
For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office:If by any means I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh, and might save some of them.For if the casting away of them be the reconciling of the world, what shall the receiving of them be, but life from the dead?For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.For as ye in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy through their unbelief:Even so have these also now not believed, that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy.For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all.
Gospel - Matthew 15.21-28
Matthew
Then Jesus went thence, and departed into the coasts of Tyre and Sidon.And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou Son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil.But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us.But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me.But he answered and said, It is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it to dogs.And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters' table.Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole 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.