Aug. 16, 2026

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, saying, "Lord, help me." 

He said in reply, "It is not right to take the food of the children and throw it to the dogs." 

She said, "Please, Lord, for even the dogs eat the scraps that fall from the table of their masters." 

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.  (Matt 15:21-28)

When I began reflecting on our Gospel this week, I have to admit I was vexed.  It is a word that I don’t use very often and as I looked up the definition, I realized that ‘vexed’ described how frustrated I am at a passage that appears to portray Jesus as prejudiced, uncaring and mean.  

Some commentaries remind us that Jesus was only repeating the views of his culture at the time, but that does not satisfy me.  History has examples throughout the course of mankind of labeling the outsiders as less than human. They are often described as animals or savages that would consume what domesticated people would never eat, like stray dogs, cats, or innocent lambs.  Jesus seems to pit these wild dogs against the lost sheep that are vulnerable to attack.

How could Jesus express such hateful speech?  Perhaps he was expressing what the others were thinking, but why?  The reason may well be that he was meeting the disciples where they were and inviting them to journey with him to not only an appreciation of the woman’s faith, but the woman herself.  This is not ultimately about the woman’s conversion; she already possesses faith.  It is about the conversion of all those who would disregard and dismiss her.

All our readings this weekend touch on inclusion and the bountiful gift of God’s grace.  Paul in speaking to the Gentiles acknowledges that the grace was given first to the chosen people of Israel through the law and the prophets, but he now recognizes that God’s grace is offered to all people and invites the Gentiles into this new awareness. It is a wonderful example of a man, once known for persecuting others, as doing what he can to invite people into the fold.

Just over a week ago we concluded our amazing Vacation Bible School, and this weekend we are in the midst of All Saints on the Hudson’s Italian Festival in honor of Our Lady of the Assumption. One thing both events have in common is that everyone was invited. People weren’t asked what faith formation program their children belonged to or what church they went to on Sunday. Everyone was invited. Our parish families are always stronger when they are extended by the faith, presence and friendship of others.

Perhaps that is one of the lessons the Canaanite woman leaves with us. She came looking for scraps from a table where she had been told she did not belong.  Jesus reminds her and those around him that she is not only entitled to what remains but truly has a place at the table…with her daughter now healed! 

Over these past weeks, I have been especially grateful to all those who have welcomed the stranger among us: those who greeted families they had never met at Vacation Bible School, those who welcomed visitors to our Festa, those who made room at a table, offered food, gave directions, introduced themselves, shared a laugh, or simply made someone feel that they belonged. I am equally grateful for the hospitality we continue to show one another within our own parish families.  We often have to reassure those who feel ignored at the table that not only do they belong, but they are also appreciated.  Sometimes the strangers in our midst have been with us all along.

Unfortunately, as I expressed earlier, there are examples in history when we have not heeded Jesus’ words but, thankfully, there are more instances of when we do come together as one, accepting and loving one another as we are.  We often speak of insiders and outsiders, but the invitation to God’s grace, as Paul reminds us, belongs to us all.

May the healing grace of Jesus Christ bring us closer together.  May we join each other one day at the Heavenly Feast where there is always room at the table.  God bless you.