20TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME - HOW DO WE AS CATHOLIC-CHRISTIAN DISCIPLES MEASURE UP TO THE CANAANITE WOMAN ?...........

One of the basic beliefs I hold about the role the Church plays in our lives as Catholic Christian Believers, is that what we have and experience as a Community of Jesus' Disciples, is something far more important than the institution alone, it is the place where God's People come together, to pray, worship, and minister, as members of the Body of Christ in the World.  The buildings that comprise the gathering spaces of Catholic-Christian Disciples, "churches", are both God's House, and holy places; and our Second Home, on the earthly journey of life and faith.  They are sacred sanctuaries, where all our Welcome.  In that light, we hear the story of the exchange between the Canaanite Woman, Jesus, and His Disciples, in Matthew's Gospel. The Canaanite Woman who approached Jesus, was views as unchosen, unclean, aggressive, and someone separated from the Israelites.  Her exclamation, "Lord, help me", in Matthew 15:25; would not have found popular acceptance for others in Jesus' audience.  Yet, Jesus did not dismiss her, just because of who she wasn't.  Instead, Jesus mercifully and graciously, engaged her, even though His Disciples wanted Him to send her away.  And hearing her out and experiencing the deepness of her faith, accepted her faith, and healed her very ill daughter.  The Canaanite Woman's steadfast faith made a difference for her and meant Jesus accepted her and taught His followers to be inclusive of her and others like her, outside the fold, who also sincerely seek the coming of God's Kingdom.  Who is the Canaanite Woman in our lives today ?  Those we are not naturally disposed or inclined to embrace, yet who have the need and the righteousness to seek to believe and be like we are, fervently seeking followers, of Jesus The Christ ?
As Catholic-Christians we do not have a monopoly on righteousness and justice.  We do not have an exclusive claim on God's mercy and compassion.  We must remain open to God's Spirit and the opportunities Living our Faith, unconditionally provides us to be more ecumenical, more inclusive, more just, righteousness, compassionate, and merciful, Disciples of the Living and True God.  Identify and respond to one of those persons, who are different from us, this week...........Fr.  Troy