HOMILY OF THE 5TH THURSDAY IN THE ORDINARY TIME

HOMILY OF THE 5TH THURSDAY IN THE ORDINARY TIME — YEAR A

HOMILY THEME: DESPERATE FAITH FOR DESPERATE SITUATION

BY: Fr. Paul Karabari

‘..for it is not right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs’

The Gospel (Mark 7: 24-30) presents the case of a Greek woman who came to Jesus asking for deliverance for the possessed daughter. But at first, Jesus refused to answer her. Jesus told her that His blessings were intended for the Jews. If that was not discouraging enough, He then called her a dog. That wasn’t a compliment.

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While Jesus’s response does seem harsh, the lesson of persistent faith displayed through a time of testing is a common theme in Scripture. Abraham was tested by being asked to sacrifice his son Isaac. Joshua had to conquer fortified cities before claiming the Promised Land. David fought Goliath and lived in exile before becoming king. The Gospels record several stories where Jesus tested the disciples. Jesus said we must “ask, seek, and knock” if we desire to have our prayers answered. Faith is an essential commodity for heavenly bargaining.

She sought Jesus, the one with the power and authority to meet her needs. All too often, we turn to futile sources to meet our deepest needs. She fell down at Jesus’ feet. That is worship and total submission; acknowledging that He was worthy of adoration. Do not miss the lesson that she worshipped Jesus amidst her pain. The psalmist proclaimed that God is enthroned or inhabits the praises of His children.

A second condition that contributed to her deliverance was her humility. We should never confuse humility with weakness. This mother was a courageous warrior fighting for her child, but she humbly submitted to the Lord of the universe. Pride would have been offended by the dog comment. Pride would have returned insult for insult, and pride would have gone away empty. The Bible says, “God rejects the proud, but He gives grace to the humble” (1 Peter 5:5).

A third and perhaps the main factor contributing to her blessing was tenacity. With the odds stacked against her, she pushed forward. When she got knocked down by circumstances and she got back up. The primary purpose of this story is to inspire us not to give up just because the hill is difficult to climb. Keep asking. Keep seeking. Keep knocking. Are you being criticised? Has it shaken your confidence? God told Gideon, ‘If you are afraid to attack, go down to the camp…and listen to what they are saying. Afterwards, you will be encouraged’ (Judges 7: 10-11). Criticism or negative opinion about you can actually strengthen your faith. Don’t be discouraged. GOD IS STILL ON THE THRONE. May God have mercy on us, heal our world, bless and protect us all through Christ, our Lord Amen.

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