Wednesday of 18th Week, Year II: reflection

Theme: Your helping hands should know no boundaries

Reading: Mt 15:21–28

Dear friends in Christ, today’s gospel reading calls us to break down any barriers that prevent or restrict us from lending a helping hand to someone in need. These boundaries often manifest as religious, tribal, cultural, political, familial, friendship, and group sentiments.

In this gospel, we saw Jesus tearing down the cultural and religious walls of hatred separating the Jews and the Canaanites by extending a helping hand to a Canaanite woman whose daughter was sick.

The boundaries that separated the Jews and the Canaanites, who were not heirs to the Faith given through Abraham, Moses and the prophets, were very high and tick. The Canaanites were pagans.

The differential tension between the Jews and the Canaanites was so severe to the extent that the Jews regarded the Canaanites as dogs and undeserving of the mercy, love and care of the living God. But our God is the God of all, who allows His sun to shine on all and His rain to fall on all regardless of their differences; His goodness is for all.

Recall that in the parable of the Good Samaritan, Jesus taught us that anyone in need is a brother, sister, relative and friend.

Jesus is, therefore, challenging us, dear friends, to put aside any sentiment that prevents us from lending a helping hand to those in need. He is telling us to look beyond religion, tribe, culture, political affiliation, gender, family ties, friendship, and groups whenever we see someone in need. Once someone is in need, that person instantly becomes a brother, sister, relative, and friend of every Christian, and we have the mission to respond positively.

May the grace of God march before you as you step out for the activities of this Wednesday. Amen

Fr Isaac C. Chima