The Daily Office for October 14, 2012
Scripture Readings
Old Testament
Psalm
New Testament
Gospel
Reflection
The second withdrawal of Jesus followed John’s death and further rejection by the religious leadership of Israel. Jesus actually left the country and went into parts of Tyre and Sidon leaving Herod’s jurisdiction to retire to Phoenicia for a time of seclusion – which was interrupted by the woman of Canaan. This is the only known occasion during His ministry that our Lord went outside the boundaries of Palestine. The woman was a Gentile and descended from the Canaanites who inhabited Syria and Palestine before the conquest of the latter by Joshua.
By "children" the Lord means Jews, and by "dogs," Gentiles. Our Lord’s attitude was intended to test the woman’s faith, which was rewarded by a miraculous healing. Jesus was not angry with her, but was trying to teach the disciples a valuable lesson. Having been rejected by the Jews, He now turns to the Gentiles, a move that will later shock some of His followers. He had healed Gentiles earlier, but here in Phoenicia He does not want to give the impression that he has totally abandoned Israel. The term used for “dogs” means little dogs or pets, not snarling beasts. She replied that such dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their master’s table. She knew what could be hers, even as a Gentile and, thus she became an illustration of the countless Gentiles who would later be blessed by the Messiah of Israel.
Collect for the Day
O God, forasmuch as without you we are not able to please you; mercifully grant that your Holy Spirit may in all things direct and rule our hearts; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.