Today's Gospel carries a heart warming message to us. For reasons already given in earlier chapters by Matthew Jesus had normally restricted his missionary activity to his fellow Israelites. Jesus' humanity and good humour, however, came to the fore in this episode and made him change his usual practice. The Canaanite woman was desparate for help but she retained, nevertheless, a quick and almost cheeky wit. I am sure that Jesus must have smiled as he spoke to her. He did what she had begged him to do.

On the human, day to day level the Canaanite woman assures us that we will get a good hearing when we approach Jesus with trust, person to person.

Jesus, as noted, dedicated himself almost exclusively to his fellow country men and women of Israel. He wanted to give them every possible chance to avail themselves of a new and even closer relationship with their Heavenly Father. Today's First Reading shows the prophet describing the escaping Israelites temporary rest in the desert. For him it promised the offer of a greater and more permanent home with their Heavenly Father.

The very early Christian Church turned to the Gentiles and told them of God's tremendous love and desire for their love. At the same time, however it continued to work for the people of Israel, still God's people. Canaanite Gentile, multi-national Gentile and Israelite we all have ready access to a warm and loving Father.