1. “Observe what is right, do what is just.” Is Isaiah telling us to look at situations in our lives, discern what is right, and take action to change what needs to be changed? Are today’s crises–– racial, economic and environmental–– offering us opportunities to discern and become prophets of change?

2. “For my house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples.” Is God’s house open to just some people or all people? Did the chosen folks have to wrestle with that idea? Today, does racial bias relate to this problem? What is the message in this reading––to go find the excluded and bring them in?

Second Reading
Romans 11:13-15, 29-32

1. “The gifts and the call of God are irrevocable.” According to this statement of St. Paul, will there ever be a change in God’s mind, to stop loving us? “Even if we are faithless he is faithful, because he cannot deny himself.” (2 Tim. 2:13) Explain.
                                
2. St. Paul says that the Israelites disobeyed yet received mercy; the Gentiles disobeyed and received it too. Mercy is a profound characteristic of God. Where do you see mercy in today’s world? How can you show mercy?

Gospel
Matthew 15:21-28

1. What is it about her statement, “Please, Lord, for even the dogs eat the scraps that fall from the table of their masters,” that prompts Jesus to grant her request? During this conversation, do you think he might have understood his mission from his Father better, that his Father’s gift of divine life was for all people, as in the First Reading?

2. What does Pope Francis say the Canaanite woman teaches us when she cried, “Have pity on me, Lord, Son of David!”?

“It is not fair to take the children’s food and throw it to the dogs” (v 26). And right away, the woman, quick, anguished, responds: “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table” (v 27).

And with these words, that mother shows that she has perceived the goodness of the Most High God present in Jesus who is open to any of his creatures necessities. And this wisdom, filled with trust, touches Jesus’s heart and provokes words of admiration: “Woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish” (v 28). What type of faith is great? Great faith is that which brings its own story, marked even by wounds, and brings it to the Lord’s feet asking Him to heal them, to give them meaning.

Each one of us has our own story and it is not always a story “of export,” ... Many times it is a difficult story, with a lot of pain, many misfortunes and many sins. What do I do with my story? Do I hide it? No! We must bring it before the Lord. “Lord, if You will it, you can heal me!” This is what this woman teaches us.

Pope Francis, Angelus
Sunday, 16 August, 2020