Dear brothers and sisters, happy Sunday!

Yesterday we contemplated the Virgin Mary in her unbreakable bond with her Son. Not even death could sever that union of persons in soul and body, which is eternal life. Every Sunday reminds us that the same fulfillment is reserved for those who follow Jesus. His resurrection is not a past event, but new life that draws us in.

This is demonstrated today by the Canaanite woman, who is the protagonist of the Gospel proclaimed at Mass (cf. Mt 15:21-28). Although she did not belong to his people and lived in a foreign land, she persistently sought to speak with Jesus, following him like a disciple who already had a bond with him. They had probably never met before, yet in a mysterious way, faith had already taken root in her. She does not desire anything for herself, but rather peace for her tormented daughter. She places her trust in Jesus, in whom she recognizes the Messiah, a descendant of David (cf. v. 22).

The Evangelist does not hide the obstacles faced by this woman. The disciples see her as a nuisance, and Jesus himself resists her pleas. The Master had actually withdrawn to that region (cf. v. 21), and we can imagine that, as on other occasions, he was seeking a secluded place to pray and instruct his disciples. At that moment, however, something unexpected happens. Reflecting upon this, we can understand Jesus’ obedience in fulfilling his mission by allowing himself to be moved by what he sees and hears. Finally, he says to her: “Woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish” (v. 28).

Even today, the Church can be surprised by God’s work and spread the peace of Christ beyond boundaries already drawn. Her mission is anticipated by divine grace, which works in the depths of our consciences, so that in every encounter — even those that disrupt our plans — we are to listen attentively by opening our eyes and hearts to what God wants to tell us.

From the Canaanite woman we learn humility and determination. Thanks to her faith, we learn that God’s table is set for everyone and that no one is left merely with crumbs (cf. vv. 26-27), because each person has his or her own place with the Father. In the light of this faith, inequalities, discrimination and barriers that trample on the dignity of too many of God’s sons and daughters become unbearable.

Dear brothers and sisters, we are the Church of Jesus Christ in a troubled world; a world that seeks peace. Let us ask Mary, our Mother, to intercede for us “because on her lips is proclaimed ‘the strongest and most innovative hymn ever articulated, the Magnificat’” (Magnifica Humanitas, 244). It is the song of one who now sees reality through God’s eyes and, for this reason, does not lose hope and acts in charity.

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After the Angelus

Dear brothers and sisters,

I renew my appeal for an end to the ongoing violence against the Palestinian civilian population in the West Bank, and I urgently call on the international community to work toward advancing the two-state solution, for a just and lasting peace.

The Mediterranean Games will begin this week in Taranto. They will include various countries from Africa, Asia and Europe that are part of the Mediterranean region. I hope this sporting event will be a sign of peace and friendship among the peoples of this region and the entire world.

And now I welcome all of you who have gathered here at Castel Gandolfo for the Sunday Angelus.

I warmly welcome pilgrims from various countries. In greeting the Polish pilgrims, I extend my blessing to the many women participating in the traditional pilgrimage to the Shrine of Piekary Śląskie, in Upper Silesia.

I wish everyone a happy Sunday.