God's Inclusive Salvation

   

Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

20 August 2023

 

First Reading: Is 56:1, 6-7

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8

Second Reading: Rom 11:13-15, 29-32

Gospel: Mt 15:21-28

 

Reflection

By: Bro. Emerson C. Maala

Pastoral Year Formation

Diocese of Imus

Tahanan ng Mabuting Pastol

 

One thing I observed when I entered the Tahanan ng Mabuting Pastol in Tagaytay is that there is no front gate to protect the compound from the thief or burglar. I asked this thing to my formator and he told me that Tahanan is a home for all that everyone is welcome to enter and pray, to ask for food, and to ask for shelter. This goes back to a story when a person was welcomed during Christmas Eve. The person ate with the priest and personnel of Tahanan. To their surprise, he just got out of the prison and was about to go back to the province.

In my years of stay in Tahanan, I attested to the reality of the story. Whenever a person enters the Tahanan and asks for food, we give them what we have. Sometimes we also give them some clothes and most especially, we welcome with open hearts those who want to pray. Tahanan is not just a house of seminary formation but an inclusive home for all.

The readings for today speaks of God’s inclusive salvation. In the Gospel of Matthew, a Canaanite woman approaches Jesus, wanting him to cure her sick daughter. This pericope is an opening that salvation is not only for the Jews but also for the Gentiles. That is, it is not exclusive for the chosen people but extends to all. This healing of a Gentile woman’s daughter because of her great faith is another sign of an inclusive love of God for our salvation. St. Paul reminds us that God's gifts and call are irrevocable, and His mercy extends to all people, both Jews and Gentiles.

In a world that can sometimes be divided by differences, let us remember that God's love transcends all boundaries. Let us strive to cultivate a faith that is unwavering, a humility that is genuine, and a love that is inclusive. May we, like the Canaanite woman, approach Jesus with boldness and trust, knowing that His mercy is available to all who believe.

Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ, open our hearts and minds to be like the Canaanite woman who showed her great faith in You to heal her child. Grant that our faith may also become bigger like hers and may we be a true missionary disciple of Yours. You who live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.