Posted by The WORD in other words (2006) by Father Emmanuel Menguito SVD – Divine Word Seminary of Tagaytay
Wednesday 18th Week in Ordinary Time
Today’s Gospel passage is very touching for one main reason: our Lord Himself experienced a widening of His mission. At first, Jesus seemed to understand His mission as directed only to the Jews. But when He encountered the Canaanite woman, His perspective expanded. This was not a conversion from sin to righteousness, but from a narrower view to a universal one—the Good News is for all, not only for Israel.
It is worth noting that this passage is the only one in the Gospels where Jesus is explicitly described as being outside Jewish territory (Matthew 15:21–28). The woman’s persistence and faith moved Him to grant her request: “O woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.” And her daughter was healed instantly.
This episode reveals a God who listens and responds, a God who allows Himself to be touched by human need. “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:14). Jesus experienced a change in perspective triggered by compassion and love. Truly, our God has become human, capable of being moved by what He encounters.
As Christians today, we are called to be sensitive rather than calloused, open-eyed rather than blind, compassionate rather than hard-hearted. A true disciple is one who allows encounters to move and change him or her for the better. “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32).
Like Jesus, we must let compassion expand our horizons, leading us to act in love whenever situations demand a helping hand.
“Lord, open my eyes to see beyond boundaries, open my heart to be moved by compassion, and open my hands to serve those in need. May my faith be as persistent as the Canaanite woman’s, and may my love reflect Yours, which knows no limits.”
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