With Opened Bible
20th Sunday in Ordinary Time
"It is not right to take the food of the children
and throw it to the dogs." (Matthew 15, 26)
This Sunday's Gospel presents us with two great biblical truths: the divine election of Israel and the universality of salvation. The episode of the pagan (Syro-Phoenician) woman asking Jesus to heal her daughter reveals the reason for the Lord's coming. He came to reconcile the children of Israel to His Father (Matthew 15:24) and to die for the human race (John 3:16). Jesus's response attests to these two aspects of His ministry: "It is not right to take the food of the children and throw it to the dogs" (Matthew 15:26). What did Jesus mean?
First, the woman's identity helps us better understand Jesus's words. He used the terms "children" and "dogs." The children represent the People of Israel, chosen and called to holiness and glory (Matthew 15:24). Jesus came to bring them the "bread," which symbolizes His Word; this Bread belongs first to the Jews (the children).
Then there are the "dogs." This word refers to pagans who do not fully grasp the truth of the Kingdom. To give the children's Bread to the dogs would mean taking the Word (Jesus Christ) away from Israel and offering it to men and women who lack faith. It is worth noting that the woman was not offended by Jesus' answer, as she understood the Jewish way of addressing pagans. A "dog" was someone who did not understand the mysteries of God and His truth.
However, the woman—who already had faith in Jesus—persisted in her reply: "Please, Lord, for even the dogs eat the scraps that fall from the table of their masters." (Matthew 15:27) Faith, being the sole condition for receiving salvation, becomes the gateway allowing the woman to receive the Bread of the children, Jesus Christ. For without faith, it is impossible to please God. (Cf. Hebrews 11:6)
Ultimately, Jesus' final words demonstrate that He is the Savior not only of Israel but of the world. His message of life is offered to all creation: "O woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish." (Matthew 15:28) Abraham's faith in the one, invisible God made him the father of all nations. Jesus thus be-comes the *catholic* (universal) Savior who saves all humanity.
