Sunday, 20th Week in Ordinary Time August 20, 2023

Fr. Rick’s Two Minute Homily for Sunday, 20th Week in Ordinary Time

August 20, 2023, Matthew 15:21-28

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/082023.cfm

No One Is Different

The witness of people makes me marvel at how the Gospel is alive and doing well in our world. I remember a family in the parish I served with five children, one severely handicapped. The child could do very little for himself. But what struck me most was how all the children loved this child, and each had a different responsibility to care for him.

After getting to know the family, I asked the mother and father how all their children love Jimmy so much that they find it a joy to serve him. When he needs something, they jump into action so graciously.

The mother explained so simply that she and her husband love each child as though they were their only child. And each child knows that love every day. So when one child needs more attention, all the others help without thinking about it. They love Jimmy as we do with everything they have in their hearts.

That’s how Jesus loved the Canaanite woman and her daughter. But to respect his Jewish disciples and others like them, he ignored the woman at first, for he respected their tradition not to interact with Gentiles. Her pleading touched his divine heart so much that he couldn’t resist healing her daughter.

St. Paul understood this and shared with the Roman Church school one that God has mercy on all people without distinction, race, color, or creed. “God delivered all to disobedience, that he might have mercy upon all.”

Gospel Challenge:

Is God challenging you and me to love someone disabled in mind, body, or soul? Who is that person? What is God putting in your heart to do for them? Pray and let Jesus love them through you as much as they need.

Peace everyone.

IGNITE THE FIRE!

Fr. Rick Pilger, IC

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