Fr. Rick’s Homily: 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time

August 16, 2026,
Matthew 15:21-28
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/081626.cfm

Jesus Refuses No One.

Why do some prayers go unanswered? Once again, we are meeting someone in the
gospel who can do nothing to help herself. A demon possessed the daughter of a
woman in a foreign land.

Our Lord knew He would heal this woman’s daughter. Why wait? Why this long
discussion? His immediate refusal made her go deeper into her heart, where she could
meet Jesus personally. On the surface, her nationality kept her from even approaching
Jesus, a Jew, not to mention having a conversation.

Customs were rigid in that culture. However, this lady was an outsider to everyone else
but Jesus. Her humility, accepting what appeared to be an insult, turned into a joke. “It is
not right to take the food of the children and throw it to the dogs.”

Her comeback? Even dogs eat the scraps that fall from their master’s table. I can see
her smiling as she says this. Jesus too. It’s like we make jokes about each other in our
families. We know the person is kidding. People outside the family would take it as an
insult.

I can see Jesus and this Canaanite woman laughing at the situation. Why? Because
when she met Jesus in her heart, she knew He would heal her daughter. It’s like you
know when someone loves you. There was no doubt in her mind.

When she pleaded, “Lord, help me!” she knew Jesus as Lord, yes, but now as a Friend.
Because she knew Jesus, she knew He couldn’t refuse her. No one else could free her
daughter from the demon.

Gospel Challenge: 
Where is Jesus in your heart? How well does your heart know Jesus? Try not to take
everything so seriously. You may find yourself laughing with Jesus. Then, see what
happens!

Peace be with you!
  
Love Your Neighbor!

Fr. Rick Pilger, IC

www.bscchurch.com
www.rosminians.com