Gospel Reflections for August 20 2017
Total eclipse of the sun?
Tomorrow the moon will block out the sun. Don’t panic, because it will only last for a few minutes, and it will only be a very partial eclipse here in Southern California. Sunlight will slowly emerge again, as it has every time this astronomical event has occurred. What looks horrible at first turns out to be a normal event.
So it is today’s Gospel as well. The harsh words Jesus speaks seem to shut out the light for this poor Canaanite Woman. Further reflection reveals a normal insight but much wisdom too.
She first cries out to Our Lord …and receives no reply! Then she cries out again, and the disciples try to silence her. She speaks again, only to have Our Lord utter what seems like a very harsh response. Finally, after her last request, Jesus happily answers her prayer. What is going on here?
This dialogue actually represents the stages we experience in prayer.
The first stage is often silence. Do we not often sense silence from God after our prayer? We are so used to immediate reactions from people that we have come to expect we should get the same immediate “human” response from God! Well, this Gospel reveals that divine conversations are different.
Then the disciples try to silence her, it is like people today telling us that prayer does not work or is a waste of time. Fortunately, the woman does not listen to them! Nor should we.
The third stage is the most important. When Jesus comments on whether this food is right for her, He is really asking, “Is what you want in your prayer the right answer for you?” Our Lord is asking her to reflect more deeply about her prayer, e.g. “Are you asking for something for yourself or for the good of others? Is your prayer just a sudden whim or a deeply considered request?” He is simply asking all of us to reflect more deeply about what we want, money? health? a miracle? …and why we want it.
Finally, the woman reveals that she has reflected …and so Jesus answers her prayer.
This is a fascinating Gospel story, and worth reading and re-reading slowly. What at first looks like a total eclipse of this woman’s heartfelt prayer reveals practical insights and wisdom that are useful to us all. God’s mercy and love slowly emerge to wondrously light up our life.
God Bless!
Fr. Dave
We have to be wise and be careful not to look directly at the eclipse without eye protection. Or else we might loose a very precious thing, our sight. I guess that prayer is like that–as you say, we have to be wise and self-critical when we pray, or else we can loose our close relationship with God.
Spoken like the good scientist that you are!
This was a great reminder to keep seeking the Lord for our needs, etc. It reminds me not to quit or just give up. . Thee are times that He needs to work something out in us before our prayer gets answered. I am one who wants it “NOW”. However, in my heart I would rather wait upon the Lorde and keep being persistent and listen. I need to check my own heart befoe asking.
You understood the message of this Gospel perfectly!
Always the well done homily package! The Gospel of the day relating to current event in a gift box tied with a ribbon of a practical application.
How we miss your Sunday homilies at SPB!
Bob and Rose Mary
Thank you! You made my day!
Fr Dave. I look forward to your reflection every week. I can still hear your voice and we miss
you. Thank you for keeping all of our family together. I personally can relate to the power of prayer in my life. In readings like this I’m also reminded of our Dear Fr. Jor. Who taught us.
Don’t forget to thank our Lord don’t just ask for things. Two weeks ago I had an accident with a table saw. I had to thank God that it was my left hand and not my right. I thank God for the lesson I’ll never forget. I thank God for the love and care Sharon is giving me. In Gods reply to me. I’m healing well I have received a overwhelming flow of calls and cards. All prayers for me ten twenty thirty fold. In Gods Love. Thank you Lord. Thank you Fr. Dave.
Please be assurred of my prayers for a full recovery! You are such a great example of service. I am sure Our Lord will get you back in full health.
I like your thought on reflection in prayer, Fr. Dave.
Is it what we want, or is it what God wants?
With the recent terrorist attacks we see the shadow of evil becoming more
prominent in our world, so it behooves us to keep our eyes on the Lord.
He is our light leading us home.
‘Hope all went well at the “Elevate Conference”
The Immaculate Heart Radio Conference was a spectacular success. I was so happy to attend and participate in a small way. There are so many wonderful listeners who attended. What an honor to meet them!
Love your insight on reflecting on what we ask for God in our precious prayers!! I have a beautiful” Circle of Love” and we all pray Jesus’ healing gift of love for each other and our loving family and friends!!I think God loves those prayers for they are for others and healing so we all can become the person God created us to be and loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee others!!!
Have a beautiful evening in Jesus’ and our Blessed Mother’s precious love!!
Loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee, Franca and Dick
Thank you!
Isn’t it ironic that an Eclipse, one of the most magnificent reminders of Gods presence …..can only be experienced thru a filter ?