“I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” It is not right to take the food of the children and throw it to the dogs.” (Matthew 15: 24, 26)

The above statements entail what Jesus carried with him as an Israelite from Nazareth, the prejudices of his own people and against his people as a human being. He knew well what preconceived ideas and attitudes Israel and especially Judah thought and believed about themselves and their neighbors.

The Siro-Phoenicians preceded the Israelites as inhabitants of the region. They were known also as Canaanites. Israel invaded this land under the leadership of Joshua, successor to Moises. The Siro-Phoenicians were renowned for business deals and navigation around the coasts of Africa through the Mediterranean Sea, red sea and the Persian Gulf. They lived along the East-coast of Israel, Gaza Strip and West-Bank of today. Jesus paid a visit to this region with his disciples and encountered this wonderful woman. Her baby girl was very ill. She asked and pleaded with Jesus to heal her. She had learned and believed in Jesus, a man from Galilee of Judah, as having power to heal. She knew what she wanted from Jesus. She didn’t regard the cultural barriers that separated them from the Israelites. She acknowledged the power of God working in Jesus of Nazareth. She persisted in asking Jesus to heal her daughter. Finally, she got it. And Jesus admired her faith.

What does this story say to us today?

First, I learn that whoever God chooses must come from a particular people and cultural background with its limitations. Even God’s only begotten Son was born in a given society with all its cultural baggage.

Second, God’s power is not hindered by culture and belief.

Third, faith transcends and purifies culture. The Canaanite lady overlooked culture with its prejudices and saw God in Jesus of Nazareth. God is for all people. “My house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples”, says the Lord. (Isaiah 56:7)

Fourth, the woman’s persistence shows her humility before God. Humility is a necessary disposition for all to approach God and find favor with Him.

Let us learn from this encounter between the Canaanite woman and Jesus the virtue of humility, persistence and going beyond our cultural boundaries to meet God in our neighbor and the stranger.

Little advice: Remember this teaching when you are choosing a new doctor or just visiting your old one.