Wednesday, 18th Week in Ordinary Time August 7, 2024

Fr. Rick’s Two-Minute Homily for Wednesday, 18th Week in Ordinary Time

August 7, 2024, Matthew 15:21-28

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/080724.cfm

Jesus Refuses No One.

Why do some prayers go unanswered? Once again, we are meeting someone in the gospel who can do nothing to help herself. A demon possessed the daughter of a woman in a foreign land.

Our Lord knew He would heal this woman’s daughter. His immediate refusal made her go deeper into her heart where she could meet Jesus personally. Her nationality kept her from even approaching Jesus, a Jew.

Customs were rigid in that culture. However, without a name, this lady was an outsider to everyone else but Jesus. Her humility, accepting what appeared to be an insult, turned into a joke. “It is not right to take the food of the children and throw it to the dogs.”

I can see Jesus and this Canaanite woman almost laughing at the situation. Why? Because when she met Jesus in her heart, she knew Jesus would heal her daughter. There was no doubt in her mind. When she pleaded, “Lord, help me!” she knew Jesus as Lord, but now as a Friend. Because she knew Jesus, she knew He couldn’t refuse her. For no one else could free her daughter from the demon.

Gospel Challenge:

Where is Jesus in your heart?

Peace be with you.

Love Your Neighbor!

Fr. Rick Pilger, IC
pastor