There is a light-hearted touch in today's Gospel which shows that even the solemnest of moments can be graced by a little humour.

It has to be said quite clearly that the Jewish people are God's special people, deeply loved by him. From them sprang Jesus, the saviour of the world. As a result there was a certan priority in God's plan. For St.Paul the Gospel is "the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes, for Jew first and then for Gentile" ( Rom. 1:16 )

It is clear that Jesus confined his missionary work largely to Jewish territory and to Jewish people. This was a practical measure and a courteous acceptance of his Father's plan. He, however, in one of his final acts commissioned his disciples to go to the "ends of the earth" and to all its peoples.

Still even within Jesus' work plan there was room for exceptions. We read of one today. We do not know why Jesus used the harsh word "dogs" in his conversation with the pleading mother. In fact the word he used was "puppies" which is softer in tone. Did this give the woman the courage to keep pushing?

Wittily the woman "turned the tables" on Jesus. She admitted his principle and his right to act as he judged best, but by her wit won an exception. I wonder did Jesus smile or even chuckle as he granted her request.