What are we doing here? Why have we come here? Can we be presumptuous to say that we have come here as a people of faith to be fed, enlightened and enriched in our faith. So that like the seeds that were sown in the gospel about a month ago are beginning to show signs of life?

Or perhaps that is too presumptuous. Perhaps in reality we come less from sense of r-i-t-e than r-o-t-e. We tend to become creatures of habit and do things because that's the way we've always done them.

God's plan for the salvation of all humanity did not come in lightening flashes or one bold stroke. The revealed truths come through human beings at various times in history and in particular times and placees subject to all the clumsiness of human faith seeking understanding.

With this in mind we can approach today's readings with greater insight and empathy.

This was not an easy concept for them to accept. When we go to the second reading we find almost the opposite experience in the agony of Paul, the former Pharisee. Jesus is not being accepted by his fellow Jews. Paul presumes that if the Gentiles be allowed to covenant with Jesus, perhaps jealousy will shock the Jews into reality.

Whatever we might think of Paul's argument and obviously it was Paul's plan not God's; we can admire his optimism and confidence that somehow his own people will be included in God's loving plan to redeem the world. How often in the past eight weeks have you heard me speak of optimism, hope, and trust?

Like Paul, we need to embrace and express a similar confidence, for it will expunge our natural tendencies to be inclusive and selfish with our faith and with our love. It is a challenge that calls for far more than passive non-exclusiveness. It calls for reaching out and finding those who have been excluded and extending welcome where they are welcome and belong. That is the whole purpose and plan of our centennial celebration of Renew.

In the movies or perhaps in actual news reels, you have all seen thousands of American soldiers landing at Normandy, many of them immediately facing death. Chaplains who landed did not take time to distinguish denominations in their ministries.

In one particular scene, a Catholic soldier mortally wounded is not near enough for the priest to reach him. So the nearby Jewish rabbi quickly improvised a cross from two nearby twigs and asked God's blessing upon the dying soldier. Within a moment the rabbi was also dead on the ground.

The rabbi didn't stop to think. He did what came naturally; to bring God to His people -- all His people. In the gospel today Jesus likewise addresses this situation. As in the other two readings, we find this theme of universal inclusion developed in a rather striking way.

Inclusion requires both a deep seated desire and recognition of our need to be included. Jesus is portrayed by Matthew as seemingly reluctant to grant this woman's request not wanting to exacerbate division and rift.

Her first request is met by Jesus with silence; while the disciples look at her as an outsider and a noisy nuisance, whom they ask Jesus to send away?

Instead Jesus refuses to respond to their request by saying: Oh yes, you're right she has no business here. Rather he speaks directly to the woman: Surely you must know that I must care for my own people first. Is Jesus extending a subtle invitation for the woman to speak some more?

God never refuses such humble love. And neither should we. Jesus used this example for the eyewitnesses around Him to deepen their faith. Sometimes it may seem as if our prayers are put to test by perseverance.

Other times it is us who simply take God for granted and call it quits when our desired results are not immediate. Do we turn to God only when we want something? Are we really aware of the constant and intimate presence of God in our lives? Do we really understand what it means to have the Spirit of Jesus living in us? Is he really our Lord?