2026 Cycle A - 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Readings

20th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Isaiah 56: 1, 6-7; Psalm 67: 2-3, 5-6, 8; Romans 11: 13-15, 29-32, Matthew 15: 21-28

Homily Theme

Tested Faith

In the first reading this week, Isaiah prophesies that people of all nations will be welcomed by the Lord and accepted at His altar. His House will become a House of Prayer for all people of faith not just the Jewish people. In the second reading, Paul speaks to the gentiles about God’s mercy which is for all people of Tested Faith

In the Gospel Jesus encounters a Gentile woman who pleads for a cure for her sick daughter. The response of Jesus is a real Test to her faith by reminding her that the Jews thought of the gentiles as dogs. “It is not right to take food for the children and throw it to the dogs.”  She quickly says in all humility, “Please, Lord, for even the dogs eat the scraps that fall from the table of their Masters.” Her humble response to Jesus allows Jesus to grant her request and remind us all of our need to respond to Jesus with the same humble faith when seeking His help for our own needs. It also reminds us to be kind to all those whom we might judge as inferior to ourselves because of our own culture or religious beliefs. His mercy is for all the faith filled.

It is no longer politically correct to use racial slurs or to express bigotry against certain categories of people who are different from us, but it is still done privately: many dislike of certain types of people: even prisoners in jails have their categories they hate and mistreat.. Prejudices are very difficult to lose, today; we are reminded that we should be really working on it lest our faith be tested. Who are those people in our lives we automatically dislike, judge and condemn? Jesus died for them also. Those people will have their faith in God tested because of us.

God’s love and mercy is extended to everyone who seeks it with a humble, heart. Remember the Good Thief dying on the cross who stole heaven at the last minute.  We can be as, blessed and as Grace filled as he was, when we come to die, if we let Jesus love us with His infinite love and forgiveness now, as did the Canaanite woman in today’s Gospel. Think of these words all week and remind yourself of them often.

Here is a quick Test for all Catholics.  How many Sacraments are there and can you name them all? Have you been Confirmed and married in Church by a priest? Do you ever neglect confession when needed?  Do you regularly attend Sunday Mass and receive Holy Communion in a state of Grace. Today in the Gospel, a woman’s Faith was tested: it will Test the reality and strength of your Catholic Faith.