16/08/2026
Homily of 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A
Readings: Isaiah 56:1, 6–7; Psalm 67; Romans 11:13–15, 29–32; Matthew 15:21–28
Theme: “Great is your faith!”
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, Happy Sunday!
Today’s Gospel presents us with a woman who refused to give up. She was a Canaanite woman, a foreigner, and she came to Jesus because her daughter was suffering terribly. She cried out: “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me!”
At first, Jesus seemed silent. Even when the disciples wanted her sent away, she continued to plead. Finally, Jesus tested her faith, but she remained humble and persistent. And Jesus eventually said: “Woman, you have great faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.”
1. Great faith does not give up easily
The Canaanite woman teaches us the power of perseverance.
Sometimes we pray once and, because nothing happens immediately, we become discouraged. But faith says: “Even when I do not see an answer, I will continue to trust God.”
There are times when we pray for our children, our marriages, our families, our health, our work, our parish and our country, and we wonder: “God, where are you?”
The Gospel tells us: Do not give up. Keep praying. Keep trusting.
God's silence is not necessarily God's absence.
2. Humility opens the door to grace
The woman could have become angry when Jesus appeared to reject her. Instead, she humbled herself.
She did not say, “I deserve this miracle.” She simply trusted in the goodness of Jesus.
This is an important lesson for us. Sometimes our prayers are accompanied by pride:
“God must answer me because I have done so much for the Church.”
But authentic prayer says:
“Lord, I am not worthy, but I trust in your mercy.”
The humble heart recognizes that everything we have ultimately comes from God.
3. Do not allow differences to become barriers
The first reading reminds us that God's house is meant to be “a house of prayer for all peoples.”
The Canaanite woman was a foreigner, yet Jesus responded to her faith. This teaches us not to reject people simply because they are different from us—different tribe, language, background, social position or status.
In our communities, we must avoid discrimination and unnecessary divisions.
A parish is not a place where only certain people belong. The Church is the family of God.
Let us therefore become people who welcome, encourage and support others.
4. Parents: never stop praying for your children
One touching aspect of today's Gospel is that the woman was not asking for something selfish. She was pleading for her daughter.
This is a beautiful image of parental love.
Parents, continue to pray for your children. Even when they disappoint you, pray. Even when they wander away from good values, pray. Even when you do not immediately see the fruits of your prayers, do not stop.
Sometimes a mother's or father's prayer becomes the bridge through which God brings a child back to the right path.
A practical lesson for this week
Let us take home four simple resolutions:
When prayer seems unanswered, do not give up.
When God tests our patience, remain humble.
When we meet people who are different from us, welcome them.
Never stop praying for our children, families and those who are suffering.
A captivating story to conclude
There was once a little boy who was walking with his father through a forest. Suddenly, they came to a large fallen tree blocking their path.
The father said, “Son, move the tree.”
The boy tried. He pushed and pushed, but the tree did not move.
He became frustrated and said, “Daddy, I cannot do it.”
His father smiled and asked, “Did you use all your strength?”
The boy replied, “Yes, Daddy, I used all my strength.”
The father answered, “No, you didn't. You have not asked me to help you.”
The boy then called his father. Together they pushed, and the obstacle was moved.
Brothers and sisters, sometimes we are like that little boy. We face problems and say,
“I have tried everything. There is nothing I can do.”
But God is saying to us today:
“You have not used all your strength until you have placed your trust in me.”
The Canaanite woman understood this. She knew that her strength alone could not save her daughter. So she came to Jesus, humbled herself, persevered and trusted.
And Jesus said:
“Woman, you have great faith!”
May Jesus find the same faith in us,
When life becomes difficult, may we pray,
When God seems silent, may we persevere.
When doors appear closed, may we continue to trust.
And when we finally receive God's answer, may we never forget to give Him thanks.
Lord Jesus, increase our faith. Make us persistent in prayer, humble in heart, compassionate toward others and confident in your mercy. Amen.
