This Sunday’s readings confront us with something we, in our egalitarian culture, do not like to face: the mystery of election. Why would God not give everyone the same chance to know him? I cannot answer that question. But the Bible teaches a divine favoritism. It centers on the Jewish people. Of them St. Paul says:

Lest someone think God’s partiality to them has ended, Paul adds: “the gifts and the call of God are irrevocable.” (11:29)

The Jews as a people – and as individuals – have made a greater impact on the world than any other.* Their influence continues in important fields like law, medicine, finance, entertainment, mass communications, etc. It has provoked jealousy, even anti-Semitism.

However, before envying the Jews for their religious and secular privileges, a person would do well to recognize that they have probably suffered more than any other people.** Profound literature, philosophy – and even comedy – have flowed from that paradox. Election came with such a high price that it sometimes seems the unfairness is toward those who are chosen, not the outsiders.

What, then, is our relationship as Gentiles to the Jewish people? St. Paul also explores that mystery. We have not only received through them the Old Testament revelation, but we have – in Christ – been “grafted” into that race. Paul compares us Gentiles to a wild branch joined to the Jewish olive tree. (Rom 11:24)

Sometimes people who advocate women priests will use this argument: While it is true Christ chose only males as apostles, he also only chose Jews. Why not ordain only Jewish men? My response is that we are Jews. By baptism we were grafted into that tree. As Pope Pius XI stated (in response to the mounting anti-Semitism in Germany): “Spiritually, we are all Semites.”***

We see the beginnings of the process in today’s Gospel. To the Canaanite woman who begs his help, Jesus replies: “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” (Mt 15:24) Then comes a verse which sounds so harsh to our ears: “It is not right to take the food of the children and throw it to the dogs.” (15:26) The children are the Jewish people. Gentiles, like you and me, are the dogs.

After raising a puppy for three months, I consider the epithet more positively. While my dog is often exasperating, still he has endearing qualities, including an enormous capacity for loyalty. Whatever Jesus meant (unfortunately Matthew does not describe his tone of voice), the woman did not react angrily. She simply asked for some table scraps.

Women often have a way of rearranging a male agenda. This beautiful Syrophoenician certainly did. Jesus praised her great faith – and healed her daughter. By faith we begin a wonderful adventure. It joins us to a chosen people and we receive a share in the blessings –as well as the sufferings.

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