This week’s Gospel message for Sunday, August 20th is from Matthew 15:21-28.
At that time, Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon. And behold, a Canaanite woman of that district came and called out, “Have pity on me, Lord, Son of David! My daughter is tormented by a demon.” But Jesus did not say a word in answer to her. Jesus’ disciples came and asked him, “Send her away, for she keeps calling out after us.” He said in reply, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” But the woman came and did Jesus homage . . . Then Jesus said to her in reply, “O woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.” And the woman’s daughter was healed from that hour.
Reflection
“It appears contradictory for Jesus to say, ‘I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel’ while standing in the region of Tyre and Sidon, which was outside of Judea. However, the Good Shepherd will not stop at boundaries to pursue his sheep. Therefore, this Canaanite woman feels free to challenge him to break down another boundary. Jesus refused initially, but her persistence leads him to acquiesce, healing her daughter. Faith is key, but it may come from anyone, even far outside the community of believers.” SOURCE: Pastoral Patterns, Autumn 2023
DAILY READINGS FOR THE WEEK
Monday Judges 2:11-19; Matthew 19:16-22
Saint Pius X, Pope (Memorial) – “Born in Italy, Giuseppe Sarto spent seventeen years involved in pastoral ministry before becoming bishop of Mantua, cardinal patriarch of Venice, and pope. His sacramental recommendations and encyclicals reflected his pastoral background, advocating frequent communion for adults, sacramental preparation for children, and instruction in catechism for everyone.”
Tuesday Judges 6:11-24a; Matthew 19:23-30
The Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Memorial) – “In 1954, Pius XII instituted this memorial ‘so that all may clearly recognize and more zealously venerate the kind and maternal rule of the Mother of God.’ It is celebrated on the octave of the feast of the Assumption.”
Wednesday Judges 9:6-15; Matthew 20:1-16
Thursday Revelation 21:9b-14; John 1:45-51
Saint Bartholomew, Apostle (Feast) – “Matthew, Mark, Luke, and Acts count him as one of the twelve apostles, associating his name with Philip. But John’s gospel links the name Nathanael with Philip and never mentions Bartholomew. What is certain is that Bartholomew left everything to follow Jesus.”
Friday Ruth 1:1, 3-6, 14b-16, 22; Matthew 22:34-40
Saturday Ruth 2:1-3, 8-11; 4:13-17; Matthew 23:1-12
SOURCE: Living with Christ, August 2023