Scripture Study for
Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Isaiah 56:1, 6–7 / Psalm 67:4 / Romans 11:13–15, 29–32 / Matthew 15:21–28
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Understanding the Word
By Br. John R. Barker, OFM
The final chapters of Isaiah come from the post-exilic period, a time of struggle, in which God’s promises of restoration were slow in coming to fruition. The prophetic exhortation encourages continued hope in God’s salvation and justice. The promises now extend not just to ethnic Israel, but to all who come to God’s “holy mountain” (the temple in Jerusalem) to worship God and to abide by the covenant. This passage is one of several that appear in the post exilic period that refer to God’s larger plan to bring “all peoples” into relationship through Israel. Those who would join themselves to God will also be expected to love, serve, and obey.
Paul has been grappling with the question of Israel’s role within God’s plan, in light of the fact that so many Jews have not accepted Jesus as the Messiah (Romans 9–11). Knowing that God has not rejected the chosen (11:1), he suggests this (temporary) rejection was part of the plan to carry salvation beyond Israel. Those Gentiles who have accepted Christ should not judge Jews who have not, for their own salvation is only possible because they have been “grafted” onto Israel and received the benefits of their covenant relationship with God. Paul’s hope is that Israel has been allowed to disobey so that, like the Gentiles, they too can receive God’s mercy.
While in Gentile territory, Jesus encounters a woman who calls him “Lord” and “Son of David,” terms one would expect only from Jews who recognized him as Messiah. Uncharacteristically, Jesus ignores her. Yet when his disciples ask him to send her away, he doesn’t; he simply says he was not sent to the Gentiles. Perhaps recognizing that this objection does not constitute an outright refusal, the woman persists. Once again Jesus merely offers an objection: what is meant for the children (Israel) should not be given to the dogs (Gentiles). She persists, pointing out that there is enough of his salvific power to go around. This insightful retort wins the day. Jesus rewards her persistence, a sign of her faith.