“Seeking the Grace of God, to remain ever-faithful to our Blessed Lord – the God of all peoples!”

(Based on Isa 56:1, 6-7, Rom 11:13-15, 29-32 and Mt 15:21-28 – Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle A)

Years back, in the late 19th century, engineers were asked to give their opinions on a possible railroad through the Andes Mountains

(Andes is the longest continental mountain range in the world; it passes through seven South American countries: Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina)

They concluded that the job would be an impossible one.

However, as a last resort, an engineer from Poland named Ernest Malinowski was called in.

Malinowski’s reputation as an engineer was famous, but he was in the aging sixtieth year of his life at that time.
[The authorities feared to impose such a rigorous task on the old man.
Malinowski, however, assured the representatives that the job could be done.

The railway began to worm its way across the Andes from Peru with sixty-two tunnels and thirty bridges along its way.

One tunnel ran up to 4,000 feet in length, 15,000 feet above the level of the sea.
On two occasions, revolutions in some of the countries through which the railroad passed, held up construction.
Once Malinowski had to even flee to Peru and remain in exile for a time
But nothing could prevent the old man in completing the engineering feat.

By 1880, work was completed on what, till recent times (2006), was the highest railroad in the world.

Malinowski had many barriers towards the achievement of this grand feat…
… The problems arising out of old age
… The challenging mountainous terrains
… The impossibility expressed by many other engineers

However, nothing of it could deter his determination in achieving what he wanted!

Life rewards abundantly, those who are willing to challenge the barriers and be persistent in overcoming them!

The Gospel of the Day presents the beautiful story of a mother who dared to “break through” the mountainous terrains…
… of religious prejudices, social ignominy and personal misery to bridge blessings from God for her precious daughter.

Jesus had withdrawn to the district of Tyre and Sidon (Mt 15:21)

In the Old Testament times, this region was associated with the Canaanites and particularly with the Phoenician cities of Tyre and Sidon.

The region was to a great extent, religiously distinct from Israel and was associated with pagan worship
There was therefore a long-standing religious and historical tension between Israel and the people of this region.

It was in this place that Jesus meets one of them – a woman, whose daughter had been “severely possessed by a demon” (Mt 15:22b)

The presence of “that” woman, however, made the disciples of Jesus, to complain to their Master, “Send her away, for she keeps calling out after us” (Mt 15: 23b)

At this juncture, we hear two cries…

One – the cry of the woman
The other – the cry of the disciples

The woman cried out of helplessness and out of deep misery – wanting the “unclean” demon to be cast away from her daughter

The disciples cried out in irritation and annoyance – wanting the “unclean” woman to be cast away from their presence

It’s interesting to note the wordplay in Greek, in the words of the disciples and those of the woman…

The disciples uttered, “APOLYSON – send her away”
The woman cried, “KYRIE ELEISON – have mercy, Lord”

These two contrasting choruses were ringing in the air – “Apolyson – Kyrie Eleison… Apolyson – Kyrie Eleison”

One seeking to dismiss her!
The other persevering in seeking the Lord’s Mercy!

The Master then stepped in to say, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel… It is not right to take the food of the children and throw it to the dogs” (Mt 15: 24, 26)

Perhaps the addressing of Jesus as a “dog” would have come as no surprise to the Canaanite woman.

It was a reminder of the sharp distinction that existed, historically, between the Blessed Israelites and the Cursed Canaanites.

The Jews “were” considered as the “children” within God’s covenant, while the Canaanites (Gentiles) “were” often described in Jewish usage as “dogs,” expressing their position outside the covenant community.

And in every house, the children get fed first… not the dogs!

But the figurative tone set forth by Jesus, found its amazing reply in the words of the Canaanite woman, “Yes, Lord, for even the dogs eat the scraps that fall from the table of their masters” (Mt 15: 27)

Here was a glorious acknowledgement by the woman… “Yes, I am a Gentile, and considered to be a dog – outside of the covenant privileges of Israel.

I do acknowledge that the Israelites have a special place in God’s plan of salvation
But I trust that God’s Grace and Mercy can overflow beyond every boundary!
I do not claim the privileged ‘bread’ that is reserved to the mighty….
… but I just wish for the ‘crumbs’ of Your grace, that will suffice in healing my ailing daughter!”

That was an amazing reply of persistent faith!

The mountainous terrains had been broken!

No religious prejudices, no social ignominy or no personal misery could prevent the bold faith of the woman to bridge the blessings of God’s healing!

Yes, life rewards abundantly, those who are willing to challenge the barriers and be persistent in overcoming them!

With immense pride, the Lord proclaimed, “O Woman, great is your faith” (Mt 15: 28)

Do we also seek to possess such kind of a tremendous faith and unperturbed persistence?

Sometimes we hear – like the cries of the disciples – discouraging voices and refraining chants…
Sometimes we have to encounter the agonizingly painful and silent response of the Lord…
Sometimes we have to bear humiliating challenges to our prayers and even disturbing answers from the Divine..

Yet, like this wonderful mother, who was determined to break down every “mountain” of barrier, for the sake of a miracle for her daughter…
… do we remain courageous, firm and bold in our faith and trust in the Lord?

St Francis de Sales says, “when you encounter difficulties and contradictions, do not try to break them; try to bend them with gentleness and time.”

Prophet Isaiah reminds us that we are called to become a people faith never builds walls…
… because God’s House is to be a house for all peoples (cf. Isa 56:7)

St Paul teaches us that “God’s call and His gifts are irrevocable, and His Mercy can reach even those who seem farthest from Him!” (cf. Rom 11:29-32)

Let us seek the Grace of God, to remain ever-faithful to our Blessed Lord – the God of all peoples…
… with firmness in our faith
… perseverance in our piety
… and courage in our convictions!

God Bless! Live Jesus!