HOMILY FOR WEDNESDAY OF THE 18TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME CYCLE II

THEME: The Canaanite woman debates with Jesus and saves her daughter: “Please, Lord, for even the dogs eat the scraps that fall from the table of their masters.”

BY: Fr. Diotacious Chikontwe SMA

HOMILY FOR WEDNESDAY AUGUST 3 2022

*READINGS OF THE DAY*
Jeremiah 31:1-7
Res Ps: Jer, 31:10-12,13
Matthew 15:21-28

*LITURGICAL COLOUR*
Green

*FROM OUR FIRST READING*
In today’s first reading, Jeremiah consoled the people of Israel while in their exile. They felt desolate, stripped, and aware of their nothingness and dependence on God. They came face to face with the truth of their situation. Jeremiah reminded them of God’s promise and spoke the Lord’s words to encourage them. They would be a people who would find favor or pardon in the desert (Jeremiah 31:2). “I have loved you with an everlasting love and so I still maintain my faithful love for you” (Jeremiah 31:3). Jeremiah also reminded them of their destiny, of God’s design for them. “You will be rebuilt” (Jeremiah 31:4).

*FROM OUR GOSPEL READING*
In the Gospel, we discover a Canaanite woman, one who was not of the tribe of Israel. Did God’s promise extend to her? At first, it appeared that Jesus was indifferent to her plea, as heartfelt as it was: “I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel.” She replied, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.” Jesus was being obedient to the Father’s design as he found it in Scripture. Rather than indifference, there was a strong preference. Jesus was always inclined to words or actions that expressed his Father’s will. But even here, it served as a means to draw out the faith of this woman, a faith that would be rewarded by the healing she sought.

*WHAT DO WE LEARN FROM TODAYS LITURGY?*
The woman in todays Gospel reading, encourages us to keep on seeking, to keep on knocking, to keep on asking, even when the Lord seems silent and unresponsive. Jesus once spoke of a faith that moves mountains. Her faith moved Jesus; it was a faith that created an unexpected space for Jesus to work in a life-giving way. That is the kind faith that is needed more than ever today, from all of us.

*CONCLUSION*
Finally brothers and sisters in Christ, the woman stands in for all of us; she is a wonderful example for all of us of persistent faith. She kept on believing, even in the face of the Lord’s silence and resistance. As a result, her faith created a space for the Lord to work in a powerful and unexpected way. She teaches us that the Lord needs our persistent faith if God’s purpose for our lives and for humanity is to come to pass.
Have a Blessed Wednesday!

Fr. Diotacious Chikontwe SMA