Greetings on this the Wednesday of the Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: Nm 13:1-2, 25–14:1, 26a-29a, 34-35; Ps 106:6-7ab, 13-14, 21-22, 23; Mt 15: 21-28
Notes: A bit of slang today. I’m not gonna lie – as the old phrase goes.
The first reading today is difficult to understand.
I can pick out clearly the theme of disbelief and mistrust the people have toward Moses and the LORD. Mistrust is a common theme in scripture and the also accounts wonderful ways the LORD helps us overcome our weakest behaviors into marvelous virtues. Recall the People and Miriam from yesterday’s reading.
I can also pick out the natural consequences that occur when we disobey the LORD and go our own ways. In the big cases the writers of sacred scripture conform the big events into the cycle of Promise, Agreement, Disobey, Consequence, Plea for help, New Promise.
War Footing
But when we ascribe ‘war footing’ to the LORD as an action prescribed for the People to take, we are awakened to these points:
- Progressive Elaboration of peace starting with ‘you must master your passion’ – the LORD to Cain.
- Behavior change on the cusp of disaster even ascribing peace as a human response modifying the LORD’s actions. Several examples exist where the human rejects the ‘war impulse’ of the LORD and prescribes peace. The LORD smiles.
Mystical Event
I recall reading the mystical account reported by some Egyptian and Israeli troops during the Six Day War. A group of soldiers on both sides reported at one engagement that they were warned off by an image of Samson to not attack one another. Both sides withdrew from that particular engagement.
Heavy Read – A more in depth take on the conquest by an Academic: https://deacongerrypalermo.blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/about_the_extermination_of_the_canaanites.pdf
In all cases, it seems to me that the LORD is bringing us forward in our behavior and helping us to grow our virtues. When we look closely we see our warrior spirit is inferior to our peaceful needs. We may WANT to say and even write sacred scripture that the LORD says go to war but the preponderance of scripture speaks not that way. The truth of peace is woven within even in the warlike references.
Our gospel portion today makes it clear yet again.
And behold, a Canaanite woman of that district came and called out, “Have pity on me, Lord, Son of David!
Unmastered Human response: His disciples came and asked him, “Send her away, for she keeps calling out after us.”
Divine-Human Response: Then Jesus said to her in reply, “O woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.”
Three points:
- The Canaanite’s were never wiped out.
- The divine mercy is for them too.
- Some sort of reorientation of virtue has occurred for everyone.
War – Song by Edwin Starr Link: https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=hZJRJpbGkG4
First Reading
They told Moses: “We went into the land to which you sent us. It does indeed flow with milk and honey, and here is its fruit. However, the people who are living in the land are fierce, and the towns are fortified and very strong.
Responsorial
Remember us, O Lord, as you favor your people.
Gospel Acclamation
A great prophet has arisen in our midst and God has visited his people.
Gospel
“Have pity on me, Lord, Son of David! My daughter is tormented by a demon.” Then Jesus said to her in reply, “O woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.” And her daughter was healed from that hour.
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry