Isa 56:1, 6–7; Psalm 66; Rom 11:13–15, 29–32; Matthew 15:21–28

This Sunday, the Church wishes to emphasise God’s invitation and mercy towards all humanity. It is an invitation and a mercy without boundaries. In other words, we all have equal opportunities through our response of faith.

In the first reading, God promises to unite all nations. It is the expansion and extension of his plan of salvation to all the nations of the earth. This plan began with, and was intended for, Israel, ‘God’s firstborn’ (Ex 2:22). Now, because of his mercy, God extends it to all the other nations of the earth. It is a demonstration of his mercy towards all nations, which, through faith, will respond to his invitation. God promises that he will even bring foreigners into his house: ‘I will bring them to my holy mountain. I will make them happy in my house.’ However, this promise is based on a condition: those ‘who join themselves to the Lord, to love him, to serve him and to worship him.’

Paul also addresses the same theme as Isaiah did. It is enough to note that when Paul says, ‘mercy to all’, he is not saying that God will save everyone. Rather, he is saying that his mercy is available to all those who will respond accordingly to his invitation. For, ‘Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved’ (Acts 2:21). Thus, Paul demonstrates his confidence in God’s mercy. He insists that, although some have rejected God as Israel (the people of the covenant) did, God himself has neither rejected nor forgotten them. This is because, ‘God does not regret his gifts or his choice.’ He is true and faithful to his word and promise.

Paul reminds us that God has not forgotten his chosen people, even though they disobeyed him. No, God does not abandon anyone, not even those who have rejected him. Rather, he continues to wait for everyone. Paul warns us not to be arrogant or to show a lack of mercy towards others because of the mercy we have received from Christ. This is because our situation has nothing to do with merit. Rather, we are who we are through God’s mercy and goodness. Indeed, ‘For by grace you have been saved through faith; this is not your own doing, but God’s gift’ (Ephesians 2:8).

Today’s Gospel goes further to illustrate the universality of God’s mercy. The fact that Jesus was initially reluctant to listen to the woman may well have been to test her faith. In other words, despite the fact that God is ready to show us mercy, he requires something of us: ‘faith as small as a mustard seed’ (Matt 17:20). A very important requirement for receiving this mercy is the amount of faith we demonstrate in Jesus Christ.

The Canaanite woman demonstrated her faith in Christ. And Christ showed her mercy by healing her daughter. Her persistence is also worth emulating. Despite all the odds, and what appeared to be Jesus’ refusal to respond to her, she did not grow weary or lose heart in asking the Lord. So, like this Canaanite woman, each and every one of us needs God’s mercy. All we need to do is demonstrate our faith in Christ, and he will show us his mercy. Today, Jesus is close to us. So, like this woman, we must cry out to him: ‘Son of David, have mercy on me.’