Gospel for August 20 2023 – Matthew 15: 21-28
Gospel Reflections for August 20 2023
Wait for the happy ending…
Television news today often starts with terrible events. But sometimes what might look horrible at first turns out to have a happy ending, just like in today’s Gospel.
The harsh words Jesus speaks to a poor pagan woman at first seem terrible. Yet they soon reveal deeper insights …and much needed wisdom too.
This is a step-by-step dramatic dialogue that builds to a great ending.
She first cries out to Jesus for a cure for her daughter …and receives no reply! Then she cries out again, and the disciples try to silence her. She even speaks again, only to have Jesus speak what seems like harsh words. Finally, after her last request, Jesus happily answers her prayer. So, what is going on here?
This step-by-step dialogue actually represents the stages you might experience in your own prayer.
The first stage of prayer often reveals a silence from God that can feel unsettling. After all, when you speak with friends you are used to hearing an immediate audible response. Why not from God? This Gospel reveals that divine conversations are different.
Next, the disciples try to silence her, much like people today telling you that your prayer is useless and a waste of time. Fortunately, the woman does not listen to them! Nor should you.
The next stage is most important. When Jesus comments on her prayerful request, He is really asking, “Is what you seek …really the right answer for you?”
Our Lord is asking her, and you, to reflect more deeply about what you want and especially its motivation. “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?”
Finally, the woman reveals that she has deeply reflected, and her prayer is only for her daughter’s health …and so Jesus grants her request. Jesus recognizes faith, hope, and love, even in a pagan woman.
God is only interested in your eternal salvation and so will always give you what you need for that. He may grant good health, like the woman in the Gospel, or even wealth, or may instead let you experience the natural challenges that life brings, and patiently help you develop the virtues of faith, hope, and love to courageously face and overcome them.
What at first looks horrible in this Gospel actually reveals insights and wisdom that can change the way that you pray.
God knows what is best to give you …for your salvation and your ultimate happy ending!
God Bless!
Fr. Dave
Jesus was great at being inclusive and this Gospel shows an example of it. The woman at the well and socializing with sinners and tax collectors and here assisting the Canaanite woman with her daughter.
An example for us to learn from. The Gospel on Saturday tells us we must be like little children to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Wow, have you spoken to many little kids. They are filled with wonder and Joy at all they are seeing and learning.
A great way to be and enjoy the Blessing we obtain from our Faith.. Enjoy this beautiful Day and relish the Love and Truth that surrounds us.
Yes, this Gospel has happy ending for this Canaanite woman!
In humility and trust we come to the Lord who wants to give us what is best for us!
In talking with Him, we not only pray for ourselves and our families, but also for
whomever He sends our way. In this fallen world Jesus asks us to be kind and caring
to others just like He was.
Well said!
In precious prayer if we keep asking our precious Jesus for the Faith and good, and help for others, He will answer us at the most beautiful moment!!! We must pray and believe it will happen if its for the good of our soul and the good of others!!!! With loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee for your beautiful insights Father Dave!!! Have a beautiful day sharing our precious Jesus’ love with all!!!
Loveeeeeee you and loveeeeeeeeeeeeeee, franca and dick
Your comment on this Sunday’s Gospel gave me an insight into my own prayer life. Like the pagan woman, I pray mostly for my children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren’s spiritual life. Their relationship with our Lord makes me feel like they are like the child in this Gospel – the need for healing. The encouraging realization from your commentary and the Scripture text prompts me to yell “Alleluia, thank you, Lord, I do believe!”
Thank you for your beautiful messsage!
Dear Father Dave,
Humbly and thankfully, I understand, first hand, God’s response to the deepest, most troubling, and most heartfelt prayers to Him.
He hears our prayers, and His love is overwhelming and eternal.
God bless you!
Kathleen
Thank you!