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Scripture Study Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time – Cycle A

Opening prayer

Isaiah 56:1,6-7 (Ps 67:2-3,5-6,8)

Romans 11:13-15,29-32

Matthew 15:21-28

Overview of the Gospel:

• This Sunday’s Gospel takes place right after a discussion between Jesus and his opponents, the Pharisees, who are critical of Jesus’ disciples for not following their interpretations of the minute details of the Jewish purity laws (Matthew 15:1-20).

• Many of these Pharisees (the name means “separated ones”) made it a point to not associate with those whom they felt did not live up to these laws. They also distanced themselves from Gentiles (non-Jews) whom they considered unclean. They would not even enter their house for fear of defilement (John 18:28-29).

• After this confrontation, Jesus takes a nearly 100-mile round trip “detour” to the Gentile region of Tyre and Sidon (present day Lebanon). Sidon was named after the son of Canaan (see Genesis 10:15-19), forefather of the original inhabitants of the Holy Land who were traditional bitter enemies of the Jews.

• Though Jesus is sometimes seen to be taking a cold approach to the Canaanite woman seeking his aid, he is in fact mimicking the “separateness” of the Pharisees to highlight their blindness and to make a point about how God, on the other hand, shows no partiality (Acts 10:34; Romans 2:11; Colossians 3:25; James 2:1,9).

Questions:

• Regarding the 2nd Reading: from what religious roots does Christianity come? If you are not ethnically Jewish, what do those roots make you, as a believer in Christianity? With what kind of awe, then, should you regard Judaism? With what kind of awe should you regard the grace of God in you?

• In the 1st Reading, the prophet Isaiah foretells the inclusion of Gentiles in the kingdom of God, and the enthusiasm and sincerity of their worship. How well are you fulfilling this prophecy?

• Look at a map of Israel in Jesus’ time. Where is Tyre and Sidon in relation to Jerusalem?

• How would Jesus’ accusers in verses 1-20 have viewed his 100-mile “detour” to the region of Tyre and Sidon? Would they have likely done the same? Why or why not?

• What do we learn about the Canaanite woman? How are you like her? Not like her? • What do we learn about Jesus? About Jesus’ attitude toward non-Jews? • When you deal with needy people or “outsiders,” are you more like the disciples or Jesus? Why? How has God gone a long distance to heal you?

• Do you ever feel “put off” by the Lord? What happens to your faith when God appears not to answer? Do you give up, or do you persist? Do you seek Jesus with expectant faith?

Catechism of the Catholic Church: §§ 528, 781, 439, 448, 2610

Closing prayer

Persevere in prayer. Persevere, even when your efforts seem barren. Prayer is always fruitful. –St. Josemaria Escriva

Reflections from Scott Hahn

A Foreigner’s Faith: Scott Hahn Reflects on the Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Posted by Dr. Scott Hahn on 08.14.14 |

Canaanite woman

  Readings: 
Isaiah 56:1, 6-7
 Psalm 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8
 Romans 11:13-15, 29-32 
Matthew 15:21-28

Most of us are the foreigners, the non-Israelites, about whom today’s First Reading prophesies.   

Coming to worship the God of Israel, we stand in the line of faith epitomized by the Canaanite woman in today’s Gospel. Calling to Jesus as Lord and Son of David, this foreigner shows her great faith in God’s covenant with Israel.  

Jesus tests her faith three times. He refuses to answer her cry. Then, He tells her His mission is only to Israelites. Finally, he uses “dog,” an epithet used to disparage non-Israelites (see Matthew 7:6). Yet she persists, believing that He alone offers salvation.

  In this family drama, we see fulfilled Isaiah’s prophecy and the promise we sing of in today’s Psalm. In Jesus, God makes known among all the nations His way and His salvation (see John 14:6).   

At the start of salvation history, God called Abraham (see Genesis 12:2). He chose his offspring, Israel, from all the nations on the face of the earth, to build His covenant kingdom (see Deuteronomy 7:6-8; Isaiah 41:8).

  In God’s plan, Abraham was to be the father of many nations (see Romans 4:16-17). Israel was to be the firstborn of a worldwide family of God, made up of all who believe what the Canaanite professes - that Jesus is Lord (see Exodus 4:22-23; Romans 5:13-24).

  Jesus came first to restore the kingdom to Israel (see Acts 1:6; 13:46). But His ultimate mission was the reconciliation of the world, as Paul declares in today’s Epistle.

  In the Mass we join all peoples in doing Him homage. As Isaiah foretold, we come to His holy mountain, the heavenly Jerusalem, to offer sacrifice at His altar (see Hebrews 12:22-24,28). With the Canaanite, we take our place at the Master’s table, to be fed as His children.