JESUS IS FOR ALL By Rev.Fr. Valentine de Souza Sj

Rev.Fr. Valentine  de Souza Sj

TWENTIETH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (A) 14 August 2011

JESUS IS FOR ALL

Matthew 15, 21 -28

José Antonio Pagola Translated by Rev.Fr.Valantine de souza sj

It’s an amazing scene. A pagan woman comes to meet Jesus crying out for help. She is strong willed and pleads for compassion for her sick daughter as she was sure that God wants a life of dignity for all his children, no matter who they are:  pagans, or even women.

   Her request is straightforward: “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is suffering terribly, tormented by a demon.” Her cry, however, fell on deaf ears: Jesus maintains a silence difficult to explain. Isn’t he moved to pity at the sight of the misfortune of that mother,  alone and  helpless?

   The tension mounts unbearably when Jesus breaks his silence only to flatly refuse to listen to the woman. His refusal is firm and springs from his desire to be faithful to the mission received from the Father: “I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel.”

   The woman is not discouraged. She quickens her step, reaches the group, and prostrate at the feet of Jesus repeats her request: “Lord, help me”, – an echo of the pain of so many men and women who endure tragic conditions and do not belong to the group of that Healer. Must they remain excluded from his compassion?

   Jesus remains firm in his refusal:”It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.” The woman is not subdued by the chilling coldness of Jesus. She does not argue with him, accepts his harsh comparison but draws a consequence which Jesus had not expected: “Yes, Lord,” she said, “but even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.” On God’s table there is bread for all.

   Jesus is taken by surprise. Listening to the depths of the desire of this pagan woman, he understands that what she asks for is precisely what God wants: “Woman, you have great faith. Your request is granted.” The love of God for those who suffer knows no boundaries, recognizes no difference between believers and pagans. To attend to this woman does not go against the will of the Father but reveals its true scope.

   Christians must now learn to live with agnostics, pagans and the religiously indifferent. They aren’t adversaries to be got rid of. If we listen to their suffering we will find that they are fragile, vulnerable beings who seek, like us, a little light and inspiration to live.

   Jesus is not the property of Christians. His light and healing power belong to all. It is a mistake to lock ourselves within our groups and communities, turning away, excluding or condemning those not of our persuasion. We do the will of the Father only when we reach out to  every human being that suffers and groans looking for compassion.

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Jesus belongs to all

Source: URL of José Antonio Pagola's Buenas Noticias Web site 

http://sanvicentemartirdeabando.org

Website for Spanish original and translations: www.eclesalia.net

Jose Antonio Pagola,  vgentza@euskalnet.net , San Sebastian, Guipuzcoa, Spain.

English Translation by  (Valentine) Vally de Souza S.J.  vallydesouza@jesuits.net,   Mandal, Gujarat , India.

Konknni Translation by Vasco do Rego S.J., vdorego@gmail.com, Jesuit House, P.B.112, Panaji, Goa.