Hello
Today is the first of the 16 Days of Activism to end sexual and gender based violence. As we read today’s Holy Nougat, I pray we are mobilized to advocate for the oppressed;
“She replied, “That’s true, Lord, but even dogs are allowed to eat the scraps that fall beneath their masters’ table.” Matthew 15:27 NLT
Jesus Christ is most often understood as non-discriminatory and sympathetic to the needs of those in His midst. Yet, the woman’s comment about eating scraps is actually a response to Him. What must Jesus have been thinking? It’s one thing to overturn tables on the structures of injustice; but to deny a poor, broken mother healing – unadulterated Injustice. In any language.
Before we rush to defend Jesus, might I pause to note that Way Too OFTEN, the main stumbling blocks to Justice are religious leaders and communities. We baptize abuse, exploitation and discrimination with platitudes rather than speak out. It’s not too late for us to revisit our attitudes and interactions with others. It’s not too late for us to speak out.
Now back to the main reflection on the nougat –
I agree that Jesus’ words are harsh. But we ought also consider that Jesus is presented as One Who knows the hearts of humans. Is it possible that Jesus already KNEW what was in the mother’s heart? That He already KNEW what her response would be – to demand of Him her due?
For her statement insisted that despite being outside the main of Jesus’s Jewish community; she was DUE whatever else Jesus had to offer her as a human. Jesus’ question thus serves to underscore the woman’s faith. This woman KNEW Jesus WOULD heal her child. Of that she had no question. Whether it was as child or as scraps-eating dog; she was not deterred from her mission. What GREAT faith! May we be found as faithful!
Jesus might also have respond negatively to her as an invitation to the “outsiders’ that ultimately we ought to see ourselves as welcome to all those gifts God makes available for humanity. In verse 18, Jesus notes that that which comes from us may defile us. Likewise, the woman’s words served to effect her child’s healing. If it was a mere scrap, she held to the promise – Jesus came to offer wholeness for all. She was not averse to disrupting the status quo for that which she needed. Could Christ be inviting you and me to disrupt the status quo in effecting the rights of the marginalized?
In Christ’s love and grace . . .
