This Sunday’s Gospel speaks about this amazing Canaanite Woman who did everything for her sick daughter.
St. Mathew consciously put the origin of the woman which is Canaanite. In their time, there was strong hatred and discrimination against the Canaanites.
Just like what we are doing today we have spatial and cultural discrimination. We discriminate by treating others as lesser people just because of origin and culture. Classical example of discriminating statements: “Igorot kasi mga yan, Lowlander gamin dagita, Taga bundok kasi yan, Taga baba gamin dagita”.
Imagine how much worse this Canaanite being ridiculed in her own time just because of her origin but amidst all these, she brave the storm and endures all for her child’s sake.
Secondly, St. Mathew emphasized the gender “Woman” to highlight the marginalization of women in their time which is still a reality ’til today.
Thus, on top of being Canaanite you add her being a woman that doubles her predicament but nothing will stop a mother for the sake of her child- she gatecrash the boundaries set by men.
Thirdly, the most notable of all, her strong conviction and perseverance, she begs “Have pity on me, Lord, son of David, my daughter is tormented by a demon”.. After she begs, with all humility and she asked for help… and it does not end there, she haggled and her statement was heart-piercing: Please Lord, for even the dogs eat the scraps that fall from the table of their masters”.
Even Jesus was amazed, “He replied O woman, great is your faith. Let it be done for you as you wish. Her daughter was healed in an hour.
This gospel re-open our eyes how amazing Mother’s love is. It is so great that she can go down on bended knees to beg and cross spatial, political social, cultural and status boundaries for her Child’s welfare.
A reminder for all mothers what a mother should be and same time to all children- your mother is like this Canaanite Woman, she will do literally everything for you!
Lastly, This Gospel reminds us that Jesus came for the sick not for those self- righteous. And His purpose of coming is INCLUSIVE (for all).
Let us be inspired to be courageous and persevering like this Canaanite woman, because even how damage goods we are, if we beg and ask help, Jesus will acknowledge also our Faith and He will grant us healing and eternal life.