In her programme "There's more in the Sunday Gospel than meets the eye," Jill Bevilacqua
brings us readings and reflections to mark the 20th Sunday of the year in Ordinary
Time. Listen:
Gospel Mt
15:21-28 At that time, Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon. And
behold, a Canaanite woman of that district came and called out, “Have pity
on me, Lord, Son of David! My daughter is tormented by a demon.” But
Jesus did not say a word in answer to her. Jesus’ disciples came and asked
him, “Send her away, for she keeps calling out after us.” He said
in reply, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” But
the woman came and did Jesus homage, saying, “Lord, help me.” He said in
reply, “It is not right to take the food of the children and throw
it to the dogs.” She said, “Please, Lord, for even the dogs eat the scraps that
fall from the table of their masters.” Then Jesus said to her in reply, “O
woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.” And
the woman’s daughter was healed from that hour.