WORD 2day - Wednesday, 18th week in Ordinary time
August 9, 2023: Numbers 13:1-2,25 - 14:1,26-29,34-35; Matthew 15: 21-28
Let us focus our attention on two phrases from the Word today: “As you have spoken I will do unto you!”-“As you wished it shall be unto you!” The two phrases, the former from the first reading and the latter from the Gospel seem similar, though they are not! Considering the contexts, they are infact contrary to each other – one a reproach from the Lord and the other an approval. However, the message is same – FAITH.
The first reading seems to be a rationalization on the part of Israel, as to why they had to sojourn forty long years in the deserts of Paran – a simple reason: lack of faith! The Lord could not walk them to the land of milk and honey, as promised, because they were stubborn and hard headed, never yielding to the guiding hand of God.
The Gospel pictures a woman whose request has apparently no place on the 'to-do' list of Jesus that day! But the list had to be changed by all means. Logically, as in another place we read, that due to lack of faith Jesus did not accomplish much signs and wonders, here Jesus could not but make that miracle happen because of the grandeur of the faith of that simple woman!
How blessed it would be if Jesus were to look at you and me, and say, “My Son, My daughter, great is your faith!”