My house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples.

There are times when we are faced with situations that cause us to question what we know or believe and how we act. In the Gospel story today, we see Jesus faced with a situation that causes him to question his understanding of his mission. When asked by the Canaanite woman for a cure for her daughter, Jesus first acts as any good Jew would by avoiding her, refusing her, and even insulting her.

As the gospel story continues, we see Jesus growing in the acceptance that His mission was not just for the house of Israel but for all who have faith. Because of her great faith, He heals her daughter. Romans teaches us that God will have mercy on all — even those who reject His love — which is not limited to one group but open to all.

The treatment of immigrants and refugees today places before us the question of how our understanding of God’s love for all is asking us to reflect on how we view one another. Those who belong and those who do not. If we say we can’t give our jobs, our health care, our schools to those who don’t belong, then we haven’t heard or understood the words “My house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples.”

We are challenged today to reflect on those we have ignored, sent away, or insulted because they did not fit our tribal view. Even in the Eucharist, we experience division and judge who is right and who is wrong in our celebrations and who belongs at the table. How tragic we have fractured the Body of Christ.

How am I being challenged to expand my vision today?

Let Us Pray:

God of love, forgive us for our failures to include all people in our lives and our houses of prayer. Holy Spirit, open our hearts to all. Amen.