In today's gospel, Christ is approached by the Canaanite woman who pleads for the health of her daughter. Christ ignores her--indeed I can think of no other situation in the gospels where Christ does not respond to a direct appeal. Not only does He ignore her, He insults her; He states His mission was to the people of Israel (the "children") and not the gentiles (the "dogs.") This is very local speech, the vernacular of the time. But it is surprising. The usual analysis is that of Christ demonstrating how His mission is really much larger, His mission is the world. (Indeed, the Canaanite is Phoenician and Tyre is one of their ports, a portal to the world.) The provincial vision is over.
But it is a harsh lesson.
But it is a harsh lesson.
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