Matthew 15: 21-28:

The Canaanite woman

When we read the gospels, listen to Jesus’ words and look to his actions, we get the impression that some times he was intent on upsetting people and provoking a reaction from them. It is not easy to be a disciple of Jesus Christ; in fact, to follow him, we must be ready to be questioned and challenged, and then to change.

Reading the passage about the Canaanite woman, we are puzzled with Jesus’ answer to the woman’s request, and that is even more so, when we judge the past with today’s criteria and sensitivity. Jesus used the common language of the people, and his words sounded like a refusal. However, mothers understand better, as his mother did in the wedding of Cana, when he told her that his time had not arrived yet. The Canaanite woman understood that she was a stranger and that Jesus had come to the people of Israel first, but she would be content with some of the left overs or just the little crumbs that fall from the table. And Jesus was overwhelmed by her faith, and praising her, granted her the life of her daughter.

This passage is about the paramount importance of faith. It is by faith that we are saved in Jesus Christ; and in matters of faith, the Jews were not better off than the gentiles. It does not matter where we come from or to which nation or tribe we belong. Nothing of that counts, as the gift of faith is offered to all.

The Canaanite woman, the stranger, the pagan, coming from the great archetypical enemies of the people of Israel was able to recognise Jesus as the Messiah and to approach him for salvation. Her cry is the cry of all of us: “Have mercy on me, O Lord”.

The Canaanite’s faith is an indictment against the people of Israel in general. Rejected by the leaders of his own people, Jesus is accepted by the sinners and the pagans, which were excluded by the religious establishment.