Homily for Thursday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time

Love and friendship make great demands on our generosity. Even Jesus seems reluctant to divert attention away from His own chosen people, Israel, to attend to the pagan woman.

There is no simple way to soften the harsh reply of Jesus, except perhaps that He would not repeat the missteps of Solomon who was led astray by foreign women.

The apparent rejection is reconciled by the woman’s humility, perseverance, and love for her child. Not for selfish pleasure or personal gain, but for the sake of her daughter, does the woman turn aside Jesus’ harsh words by replying, “LORD, even the dogs under the table eat the children’s scraps.” This answer overcomes Jesus’ first objections, and He heals the woman’s daughter – a wonderful example of gentle perseverance rewarded.+