Arulvakku

20.08.2017 WOMAN OF FAITH

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.