PEACE AND JUSTICE FOR ALL.

TWENTIETH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME. YEAR A.
August 17, 2008.
(First reading: Isaiah 56:1, 6-7) (Psalm 67:2-3, 5-6, 8)
(Second reading: Romans 11:13-15, 29-32) (Gospel: Matthew 15:21-28).


PEACE AND JUSTICE FOR ALL.

Peace and justice are for all, as is the very life of God in as much it has been revealed and offered to all.

Countless people, however, are denied justice and peace by those who promote injustice, abuse, lies and war in our world.

The gospel speaks of the miracle of the healing of the Canaanite woman's daughter. The effect of this miracle is twofold:
- First, there is the healing of the daughter who is freed from a demon tormenting her; and,

- Secondly, there is the revelation that the disciples acted with disregard toward human suffering when they went to Jesus to urge him: "Send her away, for she keeps calling out after us" (Matthew 15:23).

Jesus not only healed the young woman, but eventually, also healed his disciples from the demon of indifference.

By rejecting the Canaanite woman, the disciples showed to be themselves suffering from an illness which is very common among people nowadays, especially among those in positions of power: callousness, indifference.

In order to receive the Lord's healing (health individually and justice and peace collectively) we must have faith.
The Canaanite woman demonstrates to have great faith and persistence. Through the miracle of healing, Jesus reveals to us the type of faith which pleases God, the faith which never fails, the faith which brings healing. "O woman, great is your faith!" - says the Lord - "Let it be done as you wish". And so it was, "her daughter was healed from that hour" (Matthew 15:28).

Now, were the disciples healed from their indifference? In the end, they were.

Now, have all been healed from their indifference, callousness and cruelty? NOT YET! Because they only have faith in themselves, not in the Lord.

The presence of injustice, lies, wars and indifference in our world cannot make us falter in our faith; on the contrary, we must grow in faith (a faith like that of the Canaanite woman), a faith to fight against the ills of our world, a faith which will produce the miracle of Justice and peace for all.