Daily Gospel Reflection

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August 20, 2023

Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Mt 15:21-28
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At that time, Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon.
And behold, a Canaanite woman of that district came and called out,
“Have pity on me, Lord, Son of David!
My daughter is tormented by a demon.”
But Jesus did not say a word in answer to her.
Jesus’ disciples came and asked him,
“Send her away, for she keeps calling out after us.”
He said in reply,
“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.”
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.”
And the woman’s daughter was healed from that hour.

Reflection

Bryce McDonnell ’24
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Each week, the gospel readings reveal a truth about Jesus, illuminating how he is fully human and divine. In today’s gospel, Jesus engages with a woman who, despite demoralizing odds, persists in asking Jesus to heal her daughter. This effort to speak with Jesus is the same tenacity we must foster when praying. Thus, her conversation with Jesus—the Word made Flesh—encompasses what it means to pray with perseverance.

I can only imagine the turmoil in this woman’s heart caused by the uncertain hope for her daughter’s health. Most likely exhausting every measure, she runs to Jesus. The woman humbles herself, calls him by name, and declares her petition. Before Jesus can respond, the disciples interrupt.

The disciples’ reactions embody the relational distractions I face before praying. Some of the closest people in my life will advise me to meditate, reflect, or sleep, thinking that my concerns will be answered in ways other than persistent prayer. And this does seem more accessible, but as our faith teaches, it bears no fruit. We each must relentlessly seek Jesus and fearlessly trust him.

Jesus reveals his fully human self by answering her with a challenge. This challenge in my prayer life might look like unexpected busyness, more concerns, or impatient restlessness. I must channel this woman’s emotions, so desperate and hungry for truth that I would be satisfied with any small blessing that falls from the table of the Lord. Her readiness to believe and receive what little she can saves her daughter, as the Son of God declares victory over the demons controlling the daughter.

Jesus interceded for the woman because of her belief. At the same time, her belief also allows Jesus to open the disciples’ hardened hearts to witness that Israel is all people who follow him. Prayer is powerful. With persistent prayer, how great is our faith!

Prayer

Rev. LeRoy Clementich, C.S.C.

Blessed are you, O Lord our God. Your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, promised that people of all races or cultural backgrounds will be blessed in their persistent faith in your divine power and compassion. May we in our prayer also be so blessed as to receive those spiritual gifts that will assist us in giving you honor and glory. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Saint of the Day

St. Bernard of Clairvaux

St. Bernard of Clairvaux had words sweet as honey, and he used them to reinvigorate monasteries where men and women gave their lives to God in prayer.

He was born in 1090 in France and excelled in his education as a child. As a youth, he was well-loved by many—he was witty, attractive, and the depth of his character shone. Gradually, the idea formed in his mind that he was to leave the world for life as a monk. A community of monks had recently formed a monastery nearby and lived a strict life together. Bernard wondered if he might be called to join them.

One day, filled with anxiety about this decision, he went into a church and prayed that God would direct him to discover and follow God’s will. He received the firm resolution to enter the monastery. His many friends tried to dissuade him, but in conversations with him, they suddenly discovered a desire to join him in giving their lives to prayer—even those who had never considered religious life before. Because of his influence, 31 men in all followed him into the monastery. His eloquent appeals were irresistible.

Bernard entered the monastery wanting to disappear and be forgotten so as to only attend to God. After a few years, the abbot, seeing his extraordinary abilities, asked him to found another monastery with a dozen other monks. His holiness and witness encouraged others to join, and soon 130 lived in the monastery in a valley that came to be known as Clairvaux.

Healings and miracles began to be ascribed to him, including the restoration of the power of speech to a converted nobleman who was dying so that he could properly confess his sins. Bernard was sought after for his wisdom—princes and popes asked for his counsel in their affairs, and he struggled to meet the needs of those around him and still maintain a healthy prayer life, which he most desired. He never refused a challenge.

He was known for his preaching, especially his commentary on the Song of Songs. Bernard’s Clairvaux community spawned many more monasteries—nearly 70— ranging as far as Ireland.

Bernard died in 1153 and has been declared a doctor of the Church, a title given to 37 saints who are known for elucidating the faith by their words or example. St. Bernard was given the title Doctor Mellifluus—the “honey-sweet doctor”—for his eloquence. He is the patron saint of beekeepers and candlemakers and is depicted in stained glass in the Dillon Hall chapel (top image). The library of Moreau Seminary also depicts St. Bernard in stained glass, along with the symbol of a honey-producing beehive. His relics rest in the reliquary chapel in the Basilica.

St. Bernard, the honey-sweet doctor, you convinced 31 of your friends to enter the monastery with you--pray for us!