Breaking the Word

18^th Week in Ord. Time, Wednesday – 3^rd August 2022 — Gospel: Mt 15,21-28

Break Through in Obstacles

The Canaanite woman addresses Jesus three times. She moves gradually from her acknowledgement of the Jewish title as the “son of David”, through her trust in the “Lord” of the Gentiles (15,22.25.27) and worships Jesus as God by saying “Lord, help me”. A bit strained but in an admirable direction she moves; for when she pleads for mercy upon herself and her demon-tormented daughter, Jesus responds with a silent rebuff. Refusing to accept being ignored, the woman comes to the front side of the group and kneels before Jesus. Three facts might have encouraged her: Jesus has come to her territory crossing the boundary; Jesus did not say no when she asked for help; and when he did speak Jesus did not send her away as his disciples asked him to do. Jesus presence, his silence, and his enigmatic speech – helps the woman with desperate faith to find footing. She is absolutely confident that Jesus can heal her daughter if he is inclined. Faith believes Jesus is good even when reason is not so sure.

18^th Week in Ord. Time, Tuesday – 2^nd August 2022 — Gospel: Mt 14,22-36

Storm of Perfection

There are two kinds of storms in the Bible: Storms of correction, when God disciplines us, and storms of perfection, when God helps us to grow. The disciples were deliberately directed into the storm because they were to be tested to find out whether they were with God’s will or not.  Jonah was out of God’s will and ran in the opposite direction. He was then in the storm because he disobeyed God and needed to be corrected. The disciples were safer on the land and were obedient to Christ. Now they are in the storm because they had to be perfected. Jesus tested them in a storm before, when He was in the boat with them (Mt 8,23-27). Now he tested them by being out of the boat. However, His coming towards the boat was an expression of his loving care and accompanying presence in troubled times. Jesus promised them, “in the world you shall have tribulation” (Jn 16,33). Yet with Him the disciples are safer in the storm.