The Nazareth Page - A gospel meditation for your home

August 16, 2026 – Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time  - Matthew 15:21-28

REFLECTION QUESTIONS:
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The woman described in today’s gospel had two things going against her when she decided to ask for help from Jesus. First, she was a Canaanite which was an indigenous group living alongside the Jews in ancient Israel. So, she would have been considered an “outsider.” Second, she was a woman, and much like many societies of that time (and often our own) she would be thought of as second class. Nevertheless, with determination and courage, she seeks out Jesus and asks for his help.

But the help she sought was not for herself, but for her daughter. Another distinctive aspect of this narrative. And while at first Jesus seemed uninterested in helping her, he was clearly impressed with her persistence. Eventually the help from Jesus that she requested was given.

We also see in this brief gospel a glimpse of the humanity of Jesus in that at first he seemed disinterested in her but seemingly changed his mind because of her approach.  She wouldn’t quit. She loved her daughter and would not stop her efforts to help no matter what.

That’s a lesson for many of us. It’s like that old saying, “If you at first don’t succeed, try and try again.” That advice is timeless and has appeared in many educational and self-help books. Its longevity is due to it being advice many of us need to hear, perhaps often. But I have to add, not often in writings about spirituality and I don’t think I ever have heard it in church.

And I also think it is quite applicable in family life. Too often parents, even when quite responsible, give up too early on their children.  And not because of any lack of love or concern, but it’s all too easy to try and then give up on a youngster or adolescent or even a young adult when a parent’s first attempts to help or influence one of their own. We want instant results, a terrible tendency in today’s quick-fix society.

I can speak from much personal experience in these matters. The temptation to back off is so tempting because you don’t want to be a nagging parent or spouse. We live in a society that all to commonly offers simple solutions to very complex matters. And from my experience, family life is never simple. So keep trying to help others. So many matters we encounter in life are complicated and challenging almost beyond measure. And prayer often helps, too. Even one asking God’s help to be more patient with us.

David M. Thomas, PhD