The Reviving Power of God's Mercy

Reflection on Today's Readings, Wednesday, 18th Week in Ordinary Time Year II, 5th July, 2020
Texts: Jer. 31:1-7; Ps. Jer. 31:10-13; Matt. 15:21-28
The first reading reminds us of what the mercy of God does in our lives: It revives us. Hence, the Lord said to the people of Israel thus: "O virgin Israel? Again you shall adorn yourself with timbrels, and shall go forth in dance of the merrymakers. ...". The mercy of God rekindle in us joy, fruitfulness, praise, thanksgiving and renews our relationship with him. It written thus: "The planters shall plant, and shall enjoy the fruit. For there shall be a day when watchmen will call in the hill country of Ephraim: 'Arise, and let us go up to Zion, to the Lord our God'".
The gospel reminds us that all we need is mercy. It shows the Canaanite woman crying for mercy. She cried, "Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David". Mercy heals and brings solace. As the woman persistently asked for mercy so also we are to beg for mercy. Her persistence won her the mercy she asked for.
The honour done to the woman is similar to the one done to the Blessed Virgin Mary when Jesus turned water to wine. In the case of Mary, Jesus dispensed with time but in the case of the woman he dispensed with the scope of mission. In both cases, dispensation was granted. The woman's persistence granted her the dispensation. This teaches us the importance of persistence in our relationship with God. Persistence shows the strength of our faith in God. Hence, Jesus said, "O woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for your as you  desire".

Lord our God, grant us your mercy and we shall live for your glory. Amen.

Fr. Andrew Olowomuke