Jesus left that place and went away to the district of Tyre and Sidon. Just then a Canaanite woman from that region came out and started shouting, ‘Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David; my daughter is tormented by a demon.’ But he did not answer her at all. And his disciples came and urged him, saying, ‘Send her away, for she keeps shouting after us.’ He answered, ‘I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.’ But she came and knelt before him, saying, ‘Lord, help me.’ He answered, ‘It is not fair to take the children’s food and throw it to the dogs.’ She said, ‘Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.’ Then Jesus answered her, ‘Woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.’ And her daughter was healed instantly. Matthew 15:21-28
We adopted as rescue dog shortly after I retired. He was very underweight and hungry all the time. We think he probably was a scavenger on the streets, digging in trash for any food he could find. He had to learn to wat slowly when we brought him home. He was desperate, just as the Canaanite woman was desperate for her daughter to live. Honestly, I've always thought his first statement to her was harsh with the dog analysis. Yet, Jesus understood her need and had compassion for her and her child. Healing comes to all of us, even when we feel shunned, outside and rejected. Matthew was writing to a Jewish audience, and this might have helped them be more compassionate and caring. All's I know is God's love and healing is for all, no exclusions.
Loving Creator, you hold all the people in your hands
tenderly caring for the inhabitants of this tiny planet
and calling us as beloved children of the living God.
We divide ourselves, calling others dogs and rejects
while suffering and hurting we lash out at strangers
believing that they have come to hurt us in some way.
Help us Lord, to have your compassion and caring
for we, like the Canaanite mother come to you
asking for healing for all children across the world. Amen.
