I spoke last week of God’s Providence, and so I can’t help but be flooded with that sentiment again as I read the readings for today. Because I feel again, that it is by His Providence that we have these readings at this time, with everything that is going on in this country and in the world today.
So much talk and time and energy has been focused on the topic of racism and hate, in light of the incident in Charlottesville, Virginia. For those of you around the world who may not be aware, there was a “white supremacist” rally in this college town in Virginia here in the United States, and there were a group of protesters protesting this rally, fighting for freedom and love of all people. A person drove his car into the crowd of protesters, killing one person and injuring tens of others.
This is the cross we continue to bear in this country, and really that the whole world continues to bear – the cross in dealing with hate.
And the irony in it all is that these “white supremacists” call themselves Christians. It is no different than terrorists flying planes into buildings, or driving cars into crowds, or shooting up concert venues in the name of God.
Is that truly what God believes, is that you should discriminate and kill those who are different? Does that mean that just because you are not white, because you are not “Christian”, just because you don’t believe in submitting yourself to a particular radical ideal, just because you have a certain lifestyle orientation, and just because you are a certain color – does God, does His very Son Jesus, who became one of us – a non-white Jew in fact – believe that we should discriminate against others who are not like us?
And yes, as Catholics, does that mean that we are superior, and “better than”, non-Catholics?
The readings today cannot address these questions any clearer. In the first reading from Isaiah, God says that His salvation and justice is about to be revealed for all peoples. That as long as we observe what is right, love God, and love others, live to serve God and stick to His plan, His house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples.
The Psalm reiterates So may your way be known upon earth; among all nations, your salvation.
St Paul, the Apostle to the Gentiles, to those who are different, not Jews, goes onto support this, that Jesus came to all of us in our disobedience, For God delivered all to disobedience, that he might have mercy upon all.
And then we have the Gospel. The Canaanite woman, looked down upon by the Jewish people, comes to Jesus in utmost faith, asking for help for her daughter, possessed by a demon. Jesus tests her, and provides a lesson for everyone – His disciples, His detractors, and us today. He starts by saying:
“I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” But the woman came and did Jesus homage, saying, “Lord, help me.” He said in reply, “It is not right to take the food of the children and throw it to the dogs.”
And then here is the rest of the exchange:
She said, “Please, Lord, for even the dogs eat the scraps that fall from the table of their masters.” Then Jesus said to her in reply, “O woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.”
Jesus is here for everyone. God is the God of everyone. We not only have a duty not to discriminate others in this world who may be different from ourselves, but we have the responsibility to love them and be respectful and pray for them, even our enemies. We have a responsibility to be strong Catholic Christians, not judging, but considerate towards all, leaving a positive impact wherever we go.
We have a responsibility to live by the Truth of Jesus and embrace the graces that He has given us in our faith, in His Sacraments, and then distributing that grace as best we can throughout the world through our actions. We have been called to this through our very baptism. As St. Paul says, it is irrevocable. it cannot be undone. It is our God given duty to promote love and peace and truth throughout the world, and not hate. Not promote racism. Not fuel anger.
Perhaps maybe, just maybe, if we do this, if we live this, enough scraps will fall to the ground in our wake, that will cause others to pause and realize God truth, this truth of love, this very calling that God has for them, that they will not succumb to hate, but to that of Christ’s love and mercy for all.
The Church is universal. God’s Love is universal. He calls us to respond to Him, through His Love. But in the end, as with anything, the choice to love starts with each one of us.
IS 56:1, 6-7, PS 67; ROM 11:13-15, 29-32; MT 15:21-28
