KEEP HANGING ON

REFLECTION  FOR 20TH SUNDAY OF YEAR A

Theme: KEEP HANGING ON

Matthew 15:21-28_

Son of David, "Have mercy on me. My daughter tormented by the devil." This was the request of the Canaanite woman to Jesus, but Jesus kept quiet. She kept shouting, Lord, help me. This made His disciples  to say to  Him, please grant this woman what she has asked that she may stop disturbing us. Jesus retorted, it is not good to throw children's food to dogs.  And the woman said, even the dogs under the table can feed from the scraps that fall from their master's table. This faith led Jesus to grant her wish. 

The story of this woman has three strong and important lessons for every Christian:

1. PERSISTENCE: We all, like the woman have our reasons for following Jesus. The woman needed her daughter to be healed and we need the greatest healing which is salvation. This is the primary reason of our followership. Understand that nothing good comes easy. Sometimes it may be as if God is silent,  in such moments our thoughts are not to conclude that GOD IS DEAD, it should push us further to keep disturbing Him, saying,  "Lord help me." Keep disturbing Him, keep pushing until something happens. 

2. FOCUS: Always remember that salvation is what prompts our followership, do not be distracted by other things by the side. The woman was focus on the healing of her daughter hence, she didn't allow herself to be distracted by the comments of people, friends and even the silence of Jesus. Usain Bolt, the Jamican athlete was asked how we could finish a 100 meter race under 10 seconds, he said, "while on the race, remembered the voice of my coach who said to me 'Stay focused', so I didn't look back, so I won." Hence, never allow yourself to be distracted by any obstacle. Salvation is personal.

3. COURAGE: Not minding that the woman wasn't a Jew and the segregation that was observed between Jews and foreigners, the woman summoned courage and moved because of what she wanted. It takes courage to remain a Christian. It takes courage to follow God, do not be deceived, have your eyes fixed on the price and move on courageously. 

Overly, when it is difficult ask for the help of others,  ask people to pray for you, pray through the saints. The disciples intervened when it became difficult for the woman and her wish was granted.

Homily by:

Fr Chukwuemeka Livinus, SMMM.