Breaking the Word

GOSPEL READING: Mt 15:21-28

Jesus did not say a word in answer to her. But when his disciples questioned him he answered them promptly. Was Jesus silent to the Canaanite woman because she was a foreigner? Whatever might be he ignored her. Ignoring is one way of saying that one is not wanted or one is not happy with the person etc. Jesus clearly does so as we see it at the end of the scene.

Disciples came forward and pleaded for her. Jesus’ answer seems to be so divisive. He speaks in exclusive language. There must be a reason for it because he came to build a kingdom that was all inclusive. But the language that Jesus uses in this context is very offensive to the listener. Jesus clearly shows that both she and her daughter do not belong to him.

The woman continues to plead and the answer given by Jesus is more offensive to say the least. He indirectly calls her a dog. (Dog is the animal that goes back to its vomit. 2Peter 2:22. Probably she will return to her religion after the healing…). She expresses her faith clearly in front of all. She indirectly says that the benefits reach even those who are outsiders. Faith makes all things possible. Faith overcomes all the negative expressions of ignoring, being divisive and insulting. A person of faith will overcome all hurdles in relationship.

கானானியப் பெண் ஒருவர் இயேசுவிடம்; வந்து உதவி கேட்கிறாள். ஆனால் யேசு அவரிடம் ஒரு வார்த்தைகூட மறுமொழியாகச் சொல்லவில்லை. மீண்டும் சீடர்கள் வந்து அவளுக்காக பரிந்துபேசும்போது இயேசு பிரித்துப்பேசுகிறார். இறுதியாக அவளை நாய்க்கு ஒப்பிட்டு பேசுகிறார். விசுவாசம் உள்;ள ஒருவருக்கு இவை எல்லாம் தடைகள் அல்ல.

GOSPEL READING: MATTHEW 19:13-15

Jesus has spoken many parables about the kingdom. He has preached to the people and invited them to conversion and to belong to the kingdom. Kingdom is among you he has said. With his arrival the kingdom has come. Here he gives another important element about the kingdom. The kingdom belongs to the children and the people of these types.

The qualities of the children are many. They wonder at every new thing that they see. They are so receptive. They do not doubt or suspect anyone or anything (which means they believe everything that is offered to them. If good things are offered then they become good). Belief is one of the important qualities of children. Kingdom is also built on belief; belief in God and God who is active in the world and history.

சிறு பிள்ளைகளின் தலையான பண்புகளில் ஒன்று நம்பிக்கை. சந்தேகப்படுதல் சிறு பிள்ளைகளிடம் இல்லை. அவர்கள் யாரையும்> எதையும் சந்தேகப்படுவதில்லை. எல்லாரையும்> எல்லாவற்றையும் ஏற்றுக்கொள்கிறார்கள். வேறுபாடுகள் பார்ப்பதில்லை. எல்லாவற்றையும் எல்லாரையும் உள்ளடக்கியது தான் விண்ணரசு. சிறு பிள்ளைகள் இதன் அங்கத்தினர்கள்.