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Reflection on the Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Times

By Greg Swiderski

The readings for this Sunday:

Isaiah 56:1, 6-7

Romans 11:13-15, 29-32

Matthew 15:21-28

It seems popular to encourage people to think outside the box. This Sunday's gospel presents Jesus acting outside the box. He needs the persistent and even embarrassing probing of a mother to do it. Matthew and Mark tell us that she is a foreigner, a Gentile. True; however, she is also a mother whose daughter is ill. A caring and desperate parent will not take Jesus' insult; she will try anything.

I have been feeling close to desperate as I observe what is happening in our country and the church. I imagine that each of us might have our own list of reasons for such feelings. I have lived most of my life. Like this mother I feel concerned for children and grandchildren who will face demands and challenges.

I try to understand why this is so and what I can do. This past Sunday I heard a segment of On the Media on NPR which gave me some insight.

Professor Cass Sunstein of the University of Chicago Law School was explaining some contemporary terms like "echo chamber."

He said that people who listen to the same ideas, even if they are distortions or lies, begin to believe these falsehoods as they continue to be amplified.

The military use the term "incestuous amplification" when military leaders talk to each other and do not watch out for what could go wrong. This can lead to a disaster.

Enron was a recent example. Everyone kept reinforcing the message that all was well.

The Professor introduced another experience: cyber cascades. On the internet a statement may be written there as fact. A growing number of individuals believe it and soon there is a mass of folks who repeat the same statement without question.

He said that the greatest danger occurs when people who have their preconceived beliefs reinforced by each other always end up thinking a more extreme version of what they thought previously. These believers demonize those who think differently.

This caring mother, not part of the "in crowd" gets Jesus to act "outside the box." She converts Jesus from his limitations. She, the outsider, awakens a fresh and different perspective so that even Jesus' preconceived ideas get stretched.

Some questions for reflection: Who irritates me (she does that too)? If it is true that that which irritates is the best teacher, what can I learn from those who shake me from my world view? Who do I demonize? How is an echo chamber the same as a mutual admiration society? Can I name past irritations which, like the grain of sand, have generated pearls?