Walking with Jesus: 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time A

For Sunday, August 16, 2026

Isaiah 56:1, 6-7; Romans 11:13-15, 29-32; Matthew 15:21-28


The need to belong is a deep and basic human drive. From it we form safe, lasting and positive bonds with others. Psychologists tell us that this need is just as powerful as hunger or thirst. It developed in ancient times because humans needed groups to hunt, find food and stay safe from danger. Living with this need unfulfilled actually hurts our health because our brains respond to social pain the same way as physical pain. When we are part of an “in” group we feel safe, happy and wanted. We all have experienced not having friends or community, which can lead to stress, sadness and poor health. We could all write a huge research paper on this subject just from our life experiences ranging from sad to pleasant ones. A life changes so fast — be it from a letter, a text or a phone call informing us of an accident or the death of a loved one. We remember the good times with friends and family and then we return to our feelings of loneliness and isolation. This happens even in our relationship with God. Where was God? Why did He let this happen? I don’t know where to turn. I’m all alone. Help! Today’s readings present scenarios that help us to be firmly grounded, knowing God is always with us — every moment — leading and loving us every step of the way.

There are two major themes that color Isaiah’s passage: the inclusive nature of the believing community and the relationship of God among those who belong to this community. In setting the scene we remember the years of slavery the leaders and many of the people have endured during their Babylonian captivity. Returning to their home is harsh — encountering a worn-out and dilapidated land to begin the long process of rebuilding lives and cities. Isaiah encourages them by keeping alive the vision of hope and filling them with confidence. I’m reminded of this so often today, looking at the current condition of the world: Gaza, Ukraine, and some Central American and African countries are torn apart with revolutions and wars that result in poverty, starvation, the loss of loved ones and jobs. Are our prayers working? Yes, our God loves us and gives us the grace and assistance to love and help. Are we doing that, or are we complaining? Isaiah repeats a constant divine promise: Salvation is to come, with righteousness associated with law. The promise of salvation suggests that the people are in some kind of desperate straits, and God, the people’s covenant partner, promises to intervene. The temple is now designated as a house of prayer for all people, not a national shrine reserved for the elect. God is accessible to all, not just the Jewish bloodline. God creates, God loves.

Paul puts this in an interesting way. He describes how his parents were Pharisees, fervent Jewish nationalists who adhered strictly to the Law. He was born between 1 and 5 A.D. in Tarsus in the southeastern corner of modern-day Turkey. He is of the Tribe of Benjamin. His “job” is to protect the Jewish nation from the “contamination” of the Gentiles. He was a Roman citizen and is proud that God found him and he found God’s love. Now he is the “apostle to the Gentiles.” He is very conscious, however, that many in his audience believe erroneously that their acceptance of Christ has made them superior to Jews who have not been converted. He continues to argue in favor of the Israelites’ privilege: God saved that nation, leading them out of Egyptian slavery. Yet the Jewish nation rejected Jesus and urged His crucifixion. Jesus emphasized the covenant relationship with God and maintained His teaching on loving God and neighbors — and all who are hurting — and that loving is for all and the way to heaven.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus and His disciples venture into the coastal cities north of Galilee, beyond the Jewish holy land, reaching out to the Gentile community. Jesus seems very harsh in His treatment of the Canaanite woman. She is steadfast that Jesus can heal her tormented daughter and is insistent on His help. Yet Jesus seems to reject her request. It is good to reread this account because the underlying message is clear: The woman has shown remarkable faith, recognizing Jesus’ power to heal — and she calls Him “Son of David,” the messiah to come. Jesus is moving beyond His own ancestry and culture. Isaiah speaks of a time when outsiders will join insiders in worshiping God, thus dissolving the labels of “insider” and “outsider.” Do I welcome all? Or only those who are like me?

So I reflect on:

• I picture myself watching Jesus and the woman. Do I want to advocate for the woman or am I confused by Jesus’ comments?
• I am called to follow Jesus in particular ways and am given gifts toward that commitment. Do I recognize the call and gifts of those I see as outsiders?

Sacred Space 2026 states:

“The fact that Jesus did not answer the Canaanite woman is the thing that catches our attention before all else. Was it because He knew that some people are likely to receive more from Him if He says nothing? I pray to be a little more sparing with words myself.”