Isaiah 56, 1 +6-7; Psalm 67; Romans 11, 29-32; Matthew 15, 21-28
By +Guy Sansaricq
Today’ biblical texts denounce the ugly narrow mindedness of many religious people.
Prophet Isaiah in the first reading asks the Israelite to break away from their habit of rejecting the non-Jews but instead “to welcome the foreigner who acts justly and observes the law. God says: “Let my house be called a house of prayer for all peoples.” No more exclusion of the foreigner before the throne of God! Salvation is offered to all peoples.
In the second reading St Paul describes himself as the Apostle to the GENTILES, meaning the non-Jews. His hope is that the Church’s policy of admitting pagans in its ranks will open People’s eyes to the Church’s universality. Faith not race is what counts in God’s eyes. In the Gospel Jesus is seen granting a favor to a Samaritan, a foreigner, because of her FAITH. Of course one may be shocked by his initial rebuttal of the poor woman pleading for her dying child. Jesus simply wanted to show forth a common view he was about to rebuke. The Jews felt they were the only chosen people and held in contempt all other nations. But Jesus’ favorable response to the woman’s plea, the second time around, highlights his teaching. From now on, FAITH not race is what opens God’s heart of mercy. Truly Jesus fulfills Isaiah’s prophecy “MY HOUSE IS THE HOUSE OF PRAYER FOR ALL PEOPLES.” May we always share this evangelical vision of SALVATION equally granted to all BELIEVERS regardless of nationality!