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Reflections
for Sunday, August 17, 2014
Our readings today speak strongly about the inclusion of all peoples in the
love of God. God chooses His people and God chooses a particular people to
show forth His love and mercy. That never means that all other people are
excluded. Our minds and hearts too often think in terms of exclusion: If
I am chosen, you are not! If you are chosen, I am not! But God seems not
to work that way in the Scriptures. God chooses and His choices do not
exclude.
The Prophet Isaiah, in the first reading today, speaks with depth about the
those who are not part of the Chosen People. His conclusion is that the
temple of the Lord is a house of pray for all peoples.
The Letter to the Romans gives the reasoning of Saint Paul for never
excluding the Jewish people. Even though there is a New Covenant, God
never goes back on His Old Covenant. Again, we hear that one choice does
not exclude other choices. To love one person does not mean to hate other
persons or even to reject them. Rather we must respond to God's love for
us and recognize that God loves others as well.
The Gospel from Saint Matthew today speaks again of the inclusion of others
in the love and mercy of God through Christ Jesus. Jesus has strong words
that He is sent only for the lost sheep of the House of Israel. Yet in the
end the faith of the Canaanite women prevails. Love seems always to
prevail over exclusion.
We must live this same type of love. This is a love which is particular
and yet universal. It is a love that recognizes individuals and their
gifts and yet does not put down others. It is a love that sees the gifts
and responses of the poor and the downtrodden. It is a love that
recognizes that we ourselves are poor, but rich in love and compassion when
we seek the Lord.
May this love of Christ form us as His followers so that we are formed by
His Word, formed by all that touches our lives and responding with His
love.
Readings of the day:
First Reading: Isaiah 56.1, 6-7
Second Reading: Romans 11.13-15, 29-32
Gospel: Matthew 15.21-28
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