“The Fourth Sunday of the Lent”The Canaanite Woman‘Then
she (the Canaanite woman) came and worshipped Him saying, “Lord help me.” Matt.15:25 Jesus was very much disappointed in His own people who showed Him nothing but disloyalty
and disrespect. They disrupted His speeches and antagonized His followers; they hindered His missionary
work and that of His disciples. Jesus was sent
as a compassionate father to remedy the ills of His children but they rejected and persecuted Him. The
prodigal sons protested that He cured their leprosy and paralysis on a Sabbath. As a
result, Jesus had to go to the neighboring towns and cities where people were more eager to listen to His divine words and
very interested to be cured, outside of his own flock. Jesus cured the sick, cast out demons and devils from the possessed.
For the fourth consecutive week, we find Jesus
wandering with His disciples among cities and towns looking for converts and believers. He does not hesitate
to stretch His merciful hand toward those who need Him very badly. While passing through the district of
Tyre and Sidon, a Canaanite woman rushes toward Him begging to save her tormented daughter; “have mercy on me, 0 Lord
Son of David! My daughter is severely demon possessed.” Matt.15:22. For the first
time, Jesus disregards the woman’s cries. He is a Jew and she is not; He has been, “sent except
to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” Matt.
15:24.Jesus, in the beginning, cared for the
sicknesses and the problems of His natives. As a Jew, He regarded very much the relationship of flesh and blood and their
firm faith in God but they were not interested in His words and His mission and not even in His relationship to them. Jesus
said, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own country and in his own house,” Matt. 13:57. Yes, the house
rebelled against the householder; the children did not want their father who was the source of all their comfort and cure
and the sole spiritual teacher, master and caretaker. “Lord help me” the Canaanite woman interrupts persisting
in her demand and insisting on help from the Lord. This woman of faith has already abandoned her idols
and gods. She has heard fascinating stories about Jesus the Preacher, Jesus the Helper and Jesus the Healer.
She hurries, full of faith and confidence and falls on her knees before Him" Jesus says to her; “It is not good
to take the children's bread and throw it to the little dogs,” Matt. 15:26. Metaphorically the children are the Jews
and the dogs are the other nations including the Canaanites. She wrestles with the insult and the ridd1e
and then understands it. She accepts the abuse- being called a dog. Patiently and wisely she answers, “yes, Lord, yet
even the little dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table.” Matt. 15:27.
Simply speaking we understand her to say: Lord, do not throw the bread for us for it is truly reserved for the children
of Israel, but please, will you let us stand by like watch-dogs next to the children’s table? If
the children’s masters desire to throw us some of their leftovers, some of their crumbs that fall from their table,
we will be fed and we will be satisfied.Jesus
did not abuse the woman but wanted to test her patience and faith. He marveled at her wisdom, humility, and faith. This pagan
woman really believes in Him and His divine power. She calls Him Lord, Master and God; she simply and humbly
begs for help. This woman has shown her character credentials of acceptance of Him that qualify her for His mercy and help,
“O woman, “great is your faith! Let it be to you as you desire.” Matt. 15:28. Jesus responds to her call.
“And her daughter was healed from that very hour.” Matt. 15:28 From hereon help is extended to those who believe in Jesus as the Son of God whether they are Jews
or gentiles. We, as Christians, do believe in Him; we have crowned Him as our God and Lord. When we call on Him, He is there
to help and heal us from all kinds of problems and sicknesses. Our Christian church is founded on this
mutual and spiritual understanding. We pledge to Him our love, devotion, loyalty and worship and He, in
turn, pours upon us His gifts and heavenly blessings. He listens to our supplications and prayers and He
performs His miracles among us whenever we are worthy of them and willing to believe in Him. Let our faith be great in Him’ let us not disappoint Him when He visits our
hearts minds and souls. We must always be ready for Him with prayer and fasting during this holy period
of Lent. Let us ask Him loudly: Lord help us and subsequently we will hear Him saying, “great is
your faith! Let it be to you as you desire.” Matt; 15;28. Amen
