Matthew 15,21-28

August 20, 2023 (Sunday)
Let us all remember that we are in the Holy Presence of God.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Gospel Matthew 15,21-28
Jesus left that place and went away to the district of Tyre and Sidon. Just then a Canaanite woman from
that region came out and started shouting, “Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David; my daughter is
tormented by a demon.” But he did not answer her at all. And his disciples came and urged him, saying,
“Send her away, for she keeps shouting after us.” He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the
house of Israel.” But she came and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, help me.” He answered, “It is not fair to
take the children’s food and throw it to the dogs.” She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs
that fall from their masters’ table.” Then Jesus answered her, ‘Woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for
you as you wish.” And her daughter was healed instantly.

Reflection:
Today’s Gospel relates the interesting encounter between Jesus and the Canaanite woman. It contains
some important challenges for Lasallians. The encounter took place outside the boundary of Israel. Ln
some way this Gospel story parallels our Founder’s life, who left the boundaries of his privileged life and
entered and embraced the world of the poor. Just as Jesus was challenged by the woman, De La Salle
was challenged by the early brothers and the poor students he encountered. The Gospel story is a
reminder of the power of persistent prayer. Prayer is a constant theme in the writings of De La Salle. “The
more you devote yourself in prayer the more you will do well in your work.” (Med 91.5). The Gospel
passage ends with a wonderful affirmation of the women by Jesus. “O woman, great is your faith!” It is a
reminder that God accepts all. Our Lasallian communities are places where diversity is respected, where
no one is left out, and where everyone finds a home. (Br. Mark Mckeon, FSC)

Lasallian Guiding Principle:
LGP states that, the spirit of faith is a “spirit that allows one to judge and evaluate things in the light of the
gospel.” As Lasallians, we are called to be united as we pursue to achieve our goals so that all of us will be
able to see the change that we want to see in our community. Mission is always a collective endeavor.
(Aubrey Jae P. Dela Paz)

Prayer:
Synod on Synodality Prayer

We stand before You, Holy Spirit, as we gather together in Your name.
With You alone to guide us, Make Yourself at home in our hearts;
Teach us the way we must go and how we are to pursue it.
We are weak and sinful; do not let us promote disorder.
Do not let ignorance lead us down the wrong path nor partiality influence our actions.
Let us find in You our unity so that we may journey together to eternal life and not stray from the way of truth and what is right.
All this we ask of You, who are at work in every place and time, in the communion of the Father and the Son, forever and ever. Amen.

St. John Baptist de La Salle, pray for us.

St. Miguel Febres Cordero, pray for us.
Live Jesus in our hearts, forever!

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Sources:
C. (n.d.). Daily Gospel. Retrieved June 22, 2020, from https://dailygospel.org/M/AM/DLSU ITS, DLSU STRATCOM, DLSU IRPA. (n.d.). Guiding Principles of the Philippine Lasallian Family.
Retrieved June 22, 2020, from http://www.dlsu.edu.ph/inside/lasallian-guiding-principles/default.asp

Prepared by Pratik, Sati D., College of Humanities and Sciences- BS Biochemistry Student, through the DLSMHSI Lasallian Mission and Linkages and Advancement, Campus Ministry, and Chaplaincy

Our Daily Lasallian Gospel, Prayer and Reflection is a DLSMHSI gift to the Lasallian family for the 2019 Celebration of the Year of Vocation and the Tercentenary celebration of the death of our founder SJBDLS.

https://www.dlshsi.edu.ph/daily-lasallian-reflection-prayer #300LaSalle