Introduction to the Liturgy of the Day

Introduction to the Liturgy of the Word

Introduction to the Eucharistic Prayer

Reflection

• The author of the passage of Isaiah that we hear today is unafraid to make a bold statement about God’s will during a tumultuous time in Israel’s history. Cyrus the Great, the Persian king, had just liberated the Israelites, fifty years after they were driven into exile by the Babylonians. They returned to Judah and found it desolate, with Jerusalem in ruins. But “Third Isaiah” (scholars believe this author of the book was the third to write under Isaiah’s name) challenges his compatriots to not only rebuild the temple and the country, but also to welcome all peoples to come worship the LORD. Though the pagan nation of Babylon had destroyed Judah and conquered its people, the pagan nation of Persia had rescued them and restored their lands. Isaiah understood that believing all foreigners to be evil and dangerous was simply wrong.

• It appears contradictory for Jesus to say, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel” while standing in the region of Tyre and Sidon, which was clearly outside of Judea (Matthew 15:24). However, the Good Shepherd will not stop at boundaries to pursue his sheep. Therefore, this Canaanite woman feels free to challenge him to break down another boundary. Jesus refuses initially, but her persistence leads him to acquiesce, healing her daughter, sight unseen.

• Faith is key, but it may come from anyone, even far outside the community of believers. In the Gospel, it is the faith of the Canaanite woman that convinces Jesus to answer her prayer. In Isaiah, it is foreigners who come to God’s holy mountain with sacrifices and offerings. In Paul’s letter to the Romans, it is Gentiles whom Paul not only welcomes but hopes may spur Jewish people like Paul to accept Christ. Faith is to be encouraged in all peoples.

Question of the Week