UNIVERSALITY OF SALVATION

The encounter of Jesus with a Canaanite woman in the Gospel of Matthew (15:21-28) teaches the disciples and us about the universal mission of Jesus. He is the Savior of all nations. He is sent to reveal that God’s love and mercy are extended to all. He is the sign par excellence of God’s love. His love is inclusive and knows no boundaries. For God there are no outsiders. He is our Father and we are His children and therefore we are brothers and sisters. The Canaanite woman is a foreigner, outcast, outsider, not a Jew, a woman in a male dominated society and clearly vulnerable. Yet she shows unwavering trust, determination, boldness, decisiveness and perseverance. She does not give up. She calls Jesus the Son of David. This title refers to the Messiah. She reveals clarity of vision of who Jesus is in contrast with the lack of vision of the disciples of Jesus as well as the religious leaders. She does not take no for an answer. She knows what she wants and is determined to get it. She does not feel humiliated nor insulted even if Jesus calls her dog. She perseveres in her request despite the silence and the rebuke of Jesus. That is why her daughter was cured on the spot. Jesus said, “O woman, great is your faith!” This story teaches us that for God there are no outcast. In God’s eyes there are no dogs. No one is beyond His grace, mercy and love. Membership of the Kingdom of God is not measured by birth or circumcision but by a living faith in Jesus, our Lord. There is no limit, no boundary to bring the healing love of Christ to others. Wherever there is human need, charity is to be exercised. We are called therefore like the Canaanite woman to have total trust and confidence that Jesus really does care for us in spite of indications to the contrary. Faith is to believe that God is with us every step of the way. God alone sees the heart and He alone knows the life of the person. Delay in His response is preparation for something greater and bigger. For His plans are better than our plans. He makes all things beautiful in His time.