But the woman was already kneeling before Jesus, and said, “Sir, help me!” Jesus answered,
“It is not right to take the bread from the children and throw it to puppies.” The woman replied, “That is true, sir,
but even puppies eat the crumbs which fall from their master’s table.”
Then Jesus said, “Woman, how great is your faith! Let it be as you wish.” And her daughter was healed at that moment.
LECTIO DIVINA:
Read: Yahweh extends the reach of His love and care to the outcast and unlisted.
There are no foreigners and second-class recipients of God’s grace.
Reflect: There is a misunderstood teaching in Catholic classes: “Outside the Church, there is no salvation.”
This gives us the sad label: catolico cerrado (closed catholics).
The misunderstanding pushes some Catholics into thinking only the officially registered or baptized are saved.
Non-Catholics then accuse us of being presumptuous as more privileged in God’s eyes. Our age-old teachers, however,
offer another understanding and deeper awareness of what is a Church. It is not a building or an organization.
The Church is Jesus’ love. We actually say: “Outside of love, there is no salvation.”
That is the far-reaching love inviting the Canaanite woman.
Pray: We pray for those who, in different circumstances, are deprived of the Church’s ministries and care.
Act: Gather some friends and go to institutions like a prison, drug rehabilitation center,
or a place of abandoned children or aged men and women. Bring to them your smiles and care not necessarily material gifts.
Make them know Christ loves them through you.
© Copyright Bible Diary 2020
