Homily Eighteenth Wednesday of Ordinary Time (Matthew 15:21-28) “Could Jesus Change His Mind.”

Homily Eighteenth Wednesday of Ordinary Time (Matthew 15:21-28) “Could Jesus Change His Mind.”

Did Jesus ever change his mind?  Sometimes we get the impression that Jesus lived his life like he was an actor in a play.  An actor in a play knows how the story is going to end.  He knows all his lines and the lines of all the other actors.

If we believe that Jesus was God, then we would tend to think that he knew what was going to happen before it did.  Doesn’t God know everything? 

But if Jesus was human, he had to have had times when he was unsure of what was going to transpire next.  He had to have times that he adjusted his thinking.  Maybe he would start off with one idea and might decide that he needed to take a more compassionate approach.  As humans we often find that we are touched by the reaction of others and we are moved to be more sympathetic.

As we look at the Gospel story that we read today, we could say that Jesus refused to heal the Canaanite woman’s daughter because he wanted to prove a point.  We could say that Jesus knew that in the end he would help.

On the other hand, we could say that this is an instance where Jesus came to understand his ministry as being more inclusive then he ever imagined.  Jesus might have believed, when he started his work that he was only supposed to minister to the Jews. Later, as many of them refused him and as gentiles put their faith in him Jesus began to see that his mission was to redeem all humanity.  His mercy was to extend to everyone.

We perceive the humanity of Jesus in this Gospel.  Jesus encountered someone who was asking him for help, a mother who was in distress.  Jesus was moved with compassion and empathy for this loving parent. This is the Jesus who looks on us in our time of need.  What a comfort to perceive that Jesus looks at us with compassion.

Reflection Question:

1. Is God cold and distant?  If Jesus is truly God was this how he was?

2. If Jesus is truly human does this mean that I can react to life the way he did?  Am I supposed to extend his mercy to others and is that possible?

Dear Parishioners,

          I received correspondence from the Diocese of Peoria today.  We will be expected to participate with all diocesan parishes in the Annual Diocesan Appeal this year.  You may remember that we were just getting ready to kickoff the appeal when the COVID pandemic hit.  Then everything was put on hold. 

          Our appeal goal this year will be 10% less.  The collection will be in September.  We know the diocese needs funds to operate.  This year is a financially challenging time for all of us.  Let us pray that we will have the funds so that the ministry of the church can be vibrant.

          The church’s work will happen one way or another.  The question right now is what form that will take.  We will need to be like Jesus in today’s gospel.  We are going to have to be willing to adjust to whatever is thrown at us.

          May Our Lady and all the Angels and Saints watch over you today.

          Fr. Mark