Thursday of week 5 in Ordinary Time

I love this story. Jesus is on a journey outside of Jewish territory. Jesus “withdraws” to this area in order to have this special encounter with the non-Jewish world. And, when this woman comes to the house where he is staying Jesus has this dialogue with her. If the story had been about her making a request and Jesus’ granting it, we would not notice its power. This story is a powerful teaching for Jesus’ disciples, for the early Church, for the ages and for us today.
Jesus was hoping that his disciples’ hearts were softening, that they would begin to see all people as God’s people, all people as God’s children, all people as part of the coming Kingdom of God. He hoped they were starting to love this woman as a person.
Lord, thank you for this beautiful picture of your loving encounter with this woman. And, thank you for inviting me today to reflect on your divine love for all your people.