20th Sunday in Ordinary Time (August 20, 2023)

In today’s poignant Gospel, the Syrophoenician woman whose young daughter was possessed by an “unclean spirit”, throws herself down at Jesus’ feet in the posture of a humble supplicant and begs for healing and exorcism for her beloved daughter.
Daring is not imprudence, or unreflective bravado, or simple chutzpah. Daring is fortitude, a cardinal virtue, and a requirement of the soul’s life.
Our Lord’s metaphorical response may seem brutally harsh and insensitive, but He merely reflected the genuine tradition in which Israel enjoyed priority.
Yet the Caananite woman cannot wait; her need is urgent and she responds with equal alacrity, engaging Jesus in a verbal repartee. What daring! What tenacity! What calmness!
God rewards daring feats of love. Impressed with her wisdom and tenacity, Jesus grants her wish. What about us? Is our faith operative enough? Do we in the Pro-Life movement have a lofty vision?

Pro-Life Intercession

That we may do more to welcome, cherish, and protect the gift of life which, like all God’s gifts, is irrevocable, we pray to the Lord …