First Reading: Isaiah 56:1.6-7
Psalm: Psalm 67:2–3, 5, 6, 8
Second Reading: Romans 11:13-15.29-32
Gospel: Matthew 15:21-28
Theme: God’s Invitation to Salvation Requires Our Cooperation
My dear brothers and sisters, today’s readings remind us that God’s call to salvation is for everyone. The prophet Isaiah tells us that God’s house is a house of prayer for all peoples. The Psalm likewise invites all peoples to praise God.
In the Gospel, we see the great faith of the Canaanite woman. Although she was not a Jew, she approached Jesus with humility and persistence, asking Him to heal her daughter. Jesus tested her faith, but she did not give up. Because of her faith, her daughter was healed.
The second reading also reminds us that God’s saving plan extends to the Gentiles. Through St. Paul’s ministry, many who were not Jews came to believe in Christ.
My dear people, God does not exclude anyone from His love and salvation. We too are called to respond positively to His invitation through our faith, words, and actions. We should not discriminate against people who are different from us in faith, culture, or background. We are all created in the image and likeness of God.
Let us therefore learn from the Canaanite woman to have a strong faith, humility, and perseverance, and let us show God’s love by being good and compassionate to everyone, irrespective of whom they are.
Prayer:
May God give us the grace to respond positively to His call and to share His love with everyone we meet, through Christ our Lord. Amen.