Dear Christ the King Family,
In today’s Gospel, we might find ourselves puzzled over the different things that are said between this Canaanite woman and Jesus, but let’s not forget the end result of healing for her daughter and what Jesus acclaims about her: “O woman, great is your faith!” Consider the sheer willingness of this Canaanite woman not to fall into despair or resentment, even when the ethnic differences and distinctions between her, a gentile, and “the children of Israel” are brought up from all sides, from the exasperated disciples to even Jesus Himself! She is persistent—and perhaps this entire exchange was not so much for her, but instead an opportunity for Jesus to teach the disciples who witnessed this exchange. Here is someone who does not “fit the mold” as an observant Jew, let alone one who is not ethnically part of the “Children of Israel”, yet she knows Jesus is Lord and she knows it through and through. Perhaps it was a moment Jesus wanted to instill in his disciples (who would proclaim his Gospel to the ends of the earth) the reminder that this Gospel, salvation, and life in the Church is not intended for a few, but open for all. Even this Canaanite woman is not outside the bounds of God’s grace. In fact, it’s the deepest fulfillment of God’s original design and covenant with the people of Israel, as our first reading reminds us from the prophet Isaiah: “My house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples.”
I think Jesus’ praise of this woman’s steadfast faith is something that in our heart-of-hearts we all desire to hear the Lord say about us as well…and in our own self-evaluations, we might feel like we fall short. Perhaps one way to nurture our faith and let it grow is in embracing and building the very community that the Lord envisions: a community of encounter with one another, in communion in prayer and worship, coming to know and love one another even through the messy moments of misunderstanding. Quite providentially, I think, one of those moments to live and build that community is right around the corner here at Christ the King: our annual Parish Picnic! (Yep…this is my shameless ‘gotcha’ moment since I have your attention!) We’ll begin with Mass at a special time one hour earlier than usual at 4:00pm on Saturday, 8/22, and the picnic will follow outside around 5:00pm. I encourage you to sign up and join us for a joyful evening of communion and community! May simple moments like those help us to grow in our spirit of invitation and evangelization, and in turn nurture our faith in the saving and healing grace Our Lord offers.
In Christ, Our King,
Fr. David
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