In his Canticle of Creation, St. Francis of Assisi praised God for the sun, moon, earth, and all creatures, calling them brothers and sisters. For Francis, creation was not something to divide, but one family under one Creator. Today’s readings invite us to recover that same vision. Isaiah gives us God’s beautiful promise: “My house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples.” Not for some peoples. Not for the rich, the educated, or those who speak our language. For all peoples.
Then the Gospel gives us the striking story of a Canaanite woman. She was a foreigner, an outsider, and someone many would have considered unworthy of approaching Jesus. Yet she comes with a desperate heart and extraordinary faith. Even when Jesus seems silent, she does not give up. She keeps crying out until Jesus finally declares: “O woman, great is your faith!”
How often do we build our own boundaries? The Canaanite woman reminds us that faith can cross the boundaries that people create. In Nigeria, however, we can divide ourselves by tribe, state of origin, language, political party, social status, or religion. Sometimes we call God our Father at the same altar, yet treat someone who is also His child as though they do not belong among us.
Jesus reminds us that God’s mercy is greater than our boundaries. St. Francis saw creation as one family. For the true Christian, no human boundary should ever be stronger than the love of God. Amen.
Fr. Kingsley Nze
Director of Pastoral Affairs
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