Having given a quick recap of salvation history at Shechem, Joshua now puts before the people a crucial choice about God. May we, like Joshua, boldly proclaim, “As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord!”
At Shechem, a town that has geographical and historical significance, Joshua holds a great assembly of the leaders of Israel and recalls God’s saving works on their behalf.
Moses gazes upon the Promised Land before he dies, seeing how God has brought to fulfillment the promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This “Holy Land” thus forms the context of salvation history, culminating in the saving work of Jesus Christ.
Mary’s Magnificat gives glory to God for the marvelous things that the Lord has done. Her song of praise becomes our own as we follow her example and offer our lives for her son, Jesus Christ.
Here are some of the main themes in the Mass readings for the 20th Sunday of the Year.
1st Reading – Isaiah 56:1,6-7
All who observe what is right and do what is just, even foreigners from distant lands, will serve and follow the Lord.
God will bring all who follow him to the holy mountain, and there will be a house of prayer for all peoples.
Psalm – 67:2-3,5-6,8
“O God, let all the nations praise you!”
May God’s ways be known to all peoples, and all the ends of the earth fear the Lord.
2nd Reading – Romans 11:13-15,29-32
Paul, a minister to the Gentiles (non-Jewish people), gives glory that he can do his ministry to make his own race jealous and thus save some of them.
Paul’s hope is that as God’s gifts to the Jews are irrevocable, the Lord’s mercy will extend to those who have rejected Jesus.
Gospel – Matthew 15:21-28
Jesus, traveling through the region of Tyre and Sidon, encounters a persistent Canaanite woman who is calling for help for her daughter who is tormented by a demon.
Through their dialogue, Jesus heals the girl on account of her mother’s faith.
St. Paul speaks of sorrow and anguish about his own people who have rejected the Good News, echoing a similar pain that many people today express about their own loved ones. How do we move forward? By prayer and personal witness of God’s grace in our lives.
Moses reminds the people of God’s mighty actions on their behalf, exhorting them to follow the Lord’s commandments and decrees all the days of their lives.
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