Hearing The Word

A weekly newsletter delivering context and insight into the Sunday Gospels.

August 16, 2026

Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Matthew 15:21-28

At that time, Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon. 

And behold, a Canaanite woman of that district came and called out,

"Have pity on me, Lord, Son of David! 

My daughter is tormented by a demon." 

But Jesus did not say a word in answer to her. 

Jesus' disciples came and asked him,

"Send her away, for she keeps calling out after us."

He said in reply,

"I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel."

But the woman came and did Jesus homage, saying, "Lord, help me." 

He said in reply,

"It is not right to take the food of the children

and throw it to the dogs." 

She said, "Please, Lord, for even the dogs eat the scraps

that fall from the table of their masters." 

Then Jesus said to her in reply,

"O woman, great is your faith! 

Let it be done for you as you wish." 

And the woman's daughter was healed from that hour.



Faith and Humility

Kelly Anderson, S.S.L., Ph.D

Associate Professor of Biblical Studies for the Major Seminary + Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary

Today’s Gospel is perplexing since Jesus seems indifferent and insulting. To help us navigate this, let’s turn to St. Augustine.

Three of Jesus’ actions merit an explanation. The first is his silence before the plea of the Canaanite woman. Augustine explains that Jesus remains silent not “that mercy might be refused her, but that her desire might be enkindled; and not only that her desire might be enkindled, but…her humility might be set forth.” According to Augustine then, persistent prayer purifies us from unworldly desires and teaches us humility. And in fact, this woman who “called out” to Jesus, then “did Jesus homage,” reverencing him. Second, Jesus says that his mission is to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Augustine explains that Jesus’ mission was to sift through the house of Israel, find the pearls, such as Peter and Paul, and send those to the Gentiles.

Third, Jesus says that it is not right to take the children’s food and throw it to the dogs. Augustine suggests that the Lord is not insulting her but correctly pointing out her lowliness in language she would understand. And in fact, we are all defiled and have no merit regarding the good things of God. But the woman, to her credit, recognizes her lowly status, and instead of defending herself or trying to merit the miracle, agrees with Jesus, and concentrates on the super-abundance of Jesus’ capacity to give food (artos), the same word used in the multiplication of the loaves (Matt 14:19; 15:36) and in the Last Supper (Matt 26:26). Thus, the woman has understood Jesus’ superabundant capacity to give Eucharistic nourishment, for even a crumb would be enough to bring the desired miracle.

And so, this woman is a model for all Christians, and according to Augustine, “a type, that is a figure, of the Church, the grace of humility has been eminently set before us.” Her persistent prayer, humble self-knowledge, and her trust and knowledge of Jesus’ abundant capacity to nourish, all bring the desired result. May this great woman pray for us!

A Mothers Plea Through the Ages



~Jeannette Williams

Oue Lady of Sacred Heart + Hilltown Twp, Pa.

“I am the Canaanite woman.” I said this to a priest after weekday Mass once, after this Gospel had been read. I went into the sacristy, started with this statement, then asked him to pray for my children, one daughter in particular.

I’m sure I am not the only mother who feels this way. So many parents today have children who have either left the Church, gotten involved in drugs, or suffer from mental health issues. The dangers for young people today are so great, and the internet is a major factor in spreading and fomenting anti-Catholic beliefs and unhealthy behavior. Most of the time, once our children are in their teen or adult years, there’s nothing left for a parent to do but to cry out to God for help.

More than once, while pleading in tears for the Lord to help my daughter, I have picked up the Bible and “randomly” (nothing is random with God) opened to this Gospel. So I know Jesus hears me. But why does He seem to be ignoring me, like He seemed to ignore this desperate mother?

I’ve read a variety of explanations about Jesus’ response to this woman, and one of these explanations seems helpful to me. Jesus’ particular focus during His life was to reach out to the Jews and the scattered Israelites. It wasn’t until after the Resurrection that Jesus sent the Apostles out into the whole world to preach and heal. So when He said to her, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel,” He was saying it wasn’t time yet to go to the Gentiles. But she didn’t stop.

When Jesus spoke those seemingly harsh words to her about throwing food to the dogs, He was using an analogy, not calling her a dog. But she entered into that analogy and turned it to her advantage. She did not give up, she was not deterred, and she showed humility by identifying herself with the little pets that the Master takes care of.

This is the winning combination with Jesus: persistence, faith, and humility. What did Jesus say to Jairus when Jairus was told to stop bothering Jesus because his daughter was already dead? “Do not be afraid. Only have faith and she will be saved.”

The Canaanite woman showed that faith, that persistence, that humility. So did Jairus. So must we, mothers and fathers, as we continue to implore Jesus for the healing and salvation of our children. He is listening. He will act when it’s time. Do not be afraid. Only have faith. She WILL be saved.