Loving and Merciful

My dear Friends in Christ,

The readings for this week remind us that Our God is a loving and merciful God. In the first reading the Israelites learn that foreigners who follow the decrees of the Lord also worship God. In the second reading Paul speaks of his ministry to the Gentiles. And in the gospel Jesus heals the daughter of the Canaanite woman. In the first reading from the book of the Prophet Isaiah the Lord calls upon us to follow what is right and just, as He prepares to reveal His salvation and justice. The passage speaks of the foreigners who join themselves too the Lord, embracing His ways and becoming His servants. Those who love the Lord’s name, keep the Sabbath holy and uphold His covenant will find acceptance in His house of prayer. The emphasis is on God's all-encompassing love and inclusivity. He welcomes people from all nations and backgrounds and is open to all who seek Him with sincerity and devotion. We know that God’s love transcends boundaries. In the gospel, Jesus engages with a Canaanite woman. Even though Jesus initially seemed distant, His encounter teaches us an important lesson about faith. The woman was not Jewish and did not follow their religious laws. She was an outsider. Her faith caught Jesus’ attention. Jesus disciples try to dismiss her, but Jesus rebuked them because he recognized the depth of her belief. The lesson for us is that faith has no boundaries. Jesus looks beyond barriers and into our hearts. As followers of Christ, we too should include everyone, especially those who seek Him with genuine faith and a sincere heart.

God bless you all,

Father John