Some prayers seem to disappear into silence.
We ask for healing. We pray for a loved one. We plead for peace in a troubled family or hope in a difficult time. Yet heaven seems quiet. We wonder if anyone is listening.
The Canaanite woman in today's Gospel must have felt that way.
She was an outsider, a Gentile in a world where she had little reason to expect a hearing from a Jewish rabbi. Yet she approached Jesus with a mother's desperate plea for her daughter. At first, Jesus said nothing. Even the disciples wanted to send her away.
Still, she remained.
She uttered one of the simplest and most heartfelt prayers in all of Scripture:
"Lord, help me."
She refused to let silence become despair. Then came the words that changed everything:
"O woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish."
This is the only person in Matthew's Gospel whose faith Jesus calls great. It is not one of the apostles. It is not one of the religious leaders. It is not even someone from the house of Israel. It is a foreign woman whose only claim is her unwavering trust in God's mercy.
The other readings help us understand why this story matters. Isaiah envisions a day when foreigners will be welcomed on God's holy mountain. Saint Paul rejoices that God's saving love reaches beyond every boundary. Together they proclaim what the Gospel reveals: God's mercy is never confined by the walls we build.
Perhaps that is the invitation for us today.
There will be moments when our prayers seem to meet only silence. We may wonder whether God has turned away or whether our hopes have gone unheard. The Canaanite woman reminds us not to mistake silence for absence. She continues to trust. She continues to ask. She refuses to walk away.
Maybe that is what great faith looks like.
Not a faith that never struggles.
Not a faith that always understands.
But a faith that continues to pray, with quiet confidence and enduring hope:
"Lord, help me."
20th Sunday in Ordinary Time Entrance Antiphon Turn Your Eyes, O God, Our Shield (Steve Angrisano, Sarah Hart and Curtis Stephan)
Let Us All Rejoice #157
Today’s Entrance Antiphon is from Psalm 84: “One day within your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere.” To dwell in the “courts” or house of God is indeed a treasured blessing.
Entrance Chant All Are Welcome (All Belong) (Jesse Manibusan and Jennah Manibusan)
Breaking Bread #316
This uplifting anthem celebrates the call of the Gospel to inclusiveness and compassion in our community.
Responsorial Psalm O God, Let All the Nations Praise You (Thomas Muglia)
Spirit & Psalm 2026: p. 278
This verbatim setting of Psalm 67 by Thomas Muglia is blessed by his creative and appealing melody and chords.
Gospel Acclamation Alleluia: Mass of Endless Mercy (Steve Angrisano)
Spirit & Psalm 2026: p. 280
The acclamation verse sings in praise of the healing power of Jesus.
Presentation and Preparation of the Gifts You Alone (Sarah Hart)
Spirit & Song #365; Never Too Young #240; Breaking Bread #666
Sarah’s lovely and humble ballad is an apt reflection for today’s Gospel. I can imagine it being sung by the Canaanite woman in thanksgiving for Jesus’ healing touch.
20th Sunday in Ordinary Time Communion Antiphon With the Lord There Is Mercy [Option 1] (Steve Angrisano, Sarah Hart and Curtis Stephan)
Let Us All Rejoice #158
Antiphon Option 1 is a plaintive prayer of trust in God’s generous mercy. It is a Communion text that responds appropriately to today’s Gospel.
Communion Chant Many and One (Steve Angrisano, Sarah Hart and Dwight Liles)
Spirit & Song #331; Breaking Bread #544
“Many and One” is song of unity and mercy. The catchy refrain is easily learned by choir and assembly.
Sending Forth See, I Make All Things New (Ken Canedo)
This anthem reassures us of Christ’s presence in our trials and sorrows. Be sure to sing Verse 3 as it reflects the teaching of today’s readings that “all the nations can walk together in the light of love.” You will find the sheet music in the link above.
Liturgy Blog is a weekly liturgy planning resource for musicians, liturgists, homilists, youth groups, faith sharing groups, and all who look to the liturgical readings for inspiration and nourishment. Join Ken Canedo as he breaks open the Scripture and suggests tracks from the Spirit & Song contemporary repertoire.
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