Readings
Jeremiah 31:1-7
Matthew 15:21-28
Reflection
The Gospel story of the pagan woman seeking healing for her daughter also appears in Mark’s Gospel. Matthew, whose Gospel was written 20 years later, probably copied the story from Mark, though he has made slight changes. For instance, in Mark’s Gospel the woman is Syrophoenician while in Matthew she is Canaanite. The point is the same, though, that the woman is not a Jew and has come to Jesus seeking healing for her daughter who is tormented by a spirit. In both stories, Jesus responds with words not meant to win friends and influence people, calling her a house dog. Her response, however, surprises Jesus, who then acknowledges her great faith and grants her request.
If this story truly came from the life of the historical Jesus, it speaks to his humanity. At first he carries the prejudices of his people towards pagans (which we continue to see today with the treatment of Palestinians), but has his vision broadened to recognise the mission must extend beyond the borders of Israel.
More likely, the reason Mark and Matthew include the story in their Gospels was to deal with the situation, in their time, concerning the acceptance of the Gentiles into the Church. This story, like that of the healing of the Roman Centurion’s sick servant, offers the evangelists an opportunity to present Jesus praising the faith of a Gentile, therefore challenging the prejudice of the Jewish Christian members of their communities.
At this time, when we hear the rhetoric of the One Nation Party regarding a return to a White Australia Policy, these Gospel stories should give us a clear message about where we, as Christians, should stand.
Fr. Ray Sanchez CP is the leader of the Oxley community and is responsible for Parish Missions and Retreats throughout Australia and NZ.Â