REFLECTIONS

Covenant relationship with God is at the core of our readings today. All three readings display a stretching understanding of who is included in covenantal relationship with God and who is not. Isaiah prophesied that the Lord would gather to himself anyone who maintains justice, who does what is right, and who observes the Lord’s ordinances, whether they are part of Israel or not. In writing to the Romans, Paul recognises that his own mission to the Gentiles is for God’s purpose and part of God’s plan. Through Jesus, God has expanded the covenant to all peoples. Yet Paul, with tender concern for his fellow Israelites, very beautifully declares that the calling of God is irrevocable.

Today’s Gospel is one of the most unsettling episodes in Matthew. Initially, Jesus responds to the woman from his bias as a child of Israel but on seeing the woman’s great need and witnessing her faith, he is moved to act as God would act – with compassion. Matthew shows Jesus growing in his understanding of his mission and of God’s will. The boundaries of inclusion are being stretched, sometimes unexpectedly. Am I prepared to be stretched and open to God’s purpose and plan for my life?