Turned Away

Sometimes we say things for effect.

Jesus left that place and went away to the district of Tyre and Sidon. Just then a Canaanite woman from that region came out and started shouting, "Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David; my daughter is tormented by a demon." But he did not answer her at all. And his disciples came and urged him, saying, "Send her away, for she keeps shouting after us." He answered, "I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel." But she came and knelt before him, saying, "Lord, help me." He answered, "It is not fair to take the children's food and throw it to the dogs." She said, "Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table." Then Jesus answered her, "Woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish." And her daughter was healed instantly. - Matthew 15:21-28

I wonder if Jesus realized how hurtful and harsh his words were when he spoke about the Canaanite woman who came to him for help.

Maybe he thought he was just stating the facts.

What I have to give is for others.

I think that I wouldn't do that, but then I realize I have done something similar.  Much of the food we receive comes with a target audience requirement.  It needs to be distributed in Westchester County because that is where the funding comes from and where it needs to go.

But we get requests form other places, Connecticut and the Bronx for example.  With them, we can share what we buy or acquire on our own.

When I respond to a request saying, Im sorry, but I don't have anything for you this week, I am not trying to be dismissive.  I am simply following the rules.

But today's Gospel reading makes me wonder how my words are being heard and felt.

When the woman showed Jesus that she not going to back down, he relented, focusing on her faith.  He heard her differently.

Maybe that is what I need to do as well.

More to come...