As we journey through the first week of Lent, Holy Mother Church, in her wisdom, presents us with two readings that call us to personal responsibility for our salvation and perseverance in faith. In Ezechiel 18:1-9, the Lord refutes the idea that children are punished for their fathers’ sins, emphasizing that each person is judged by their own righteousness. Meanwhile, in Matthew 15:21-28, we witness the profound faith of the Canaanite woman, who persists in her plea for Christ’s mercy despite initial resistance.
Both readings are perfectly suited for our Lenten meditations, reminding us that while we must take responsibility for our own souls, our efforts must be accompanied by humble and persistent faith in Christ.
Personal Responsibility for Salvation (Ezechiel 18:1-9)
Ezechiel records the Lord’s response to a common proverb in Israel:
“The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the teeth of the children are set on edge.” (Ezech. 18:2)
This proverb implied that the Israelites believed they were suffering for the sins of their ancestors rather than for their own. However, God refutes this, declaring:
“The soul that sinneth, the same shall die.” (Ezech. 18:4)
St. John Chrysostom, commenting on this passage, emphasizes that God’s justice is individual:
“None is condemned for the sins of his fathers, but each is judged according to his own works. For God is just and renders to every man according to his deeds.” (Homily on Repentance)
The Lord describes the just man as one who:
- avoids idolatry,
- practices justice,
- does not oppress the poor,
- and obeys His commandments.
This is a powerful Lenten call to examine our own consciences. Have we blamed others—our families, our society, or even God—for our spiritual struggles? Have we sought to live according to God’s commandments, or have we excused our sins with external circumstances?
St. Cyprian of Carthage warns against self-deception:
“He that neglects to walk in the commandments of the Lord will not be saved by another’s righteousness. Each must labor for his own crown.” (De Unitate Ecclesiae, ch. 15)
Thus, Lent is a time for personal conversion. We must cast aside excuses and embrace our responsibility before God.
The Canaanite Woman: Humble and Persevering Faith (Matthew 15:21-28)
In contrast to the Israelites who excused themselves, the Canaanite woman in today’s Gospel takes full responsibility for seeking Christ’s mercy. This woman, a Gentile, comes to Jesus crying:
“Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou son of David: my daughter is grievously troubled by a devil.” (Matt. 15:22)
At first, our Lord seems to ignore her. When the disciples urge Him to send her away, He tells them:
“I was not sent but to the sheep that are lost of the house of Israel.” (Matt. 15:24)
Yet the woman does not give up. She humbly kneels before Him, crying out:
“Lord, help me.” (Matt. 15:25)
Still, Christ tests her further:
“It is not good to take the bread of the children, and to cast it to the dogs.” (Matt. 15:26)
Many would have been discouraged, but this woman’s faith is greater than her pride. She answers:
“Yea, Lord; for the whelps also eat of the crumbs that fall from the table of their masters.” (Matt. 15:27)
Seeing her faith, Jesus grants her request:
“O woman, great is thy faith: be it done to thee as thou wilt.” (Matt. 15:28)
St. Augustine sees in this woman a model of humility and perseverance:
“She was first silent when He paid no heed, but she did not depart. She heard herself likened to dogs, and she did not grow angry. She sought for healing and did not lose hope.” (Sermon 77, On Humility)
In this Lenten season, how often do we give up when God seems silent? Do we pray persistently, or do we grow discouraged when our petitions are not immediately answered? The Canaanite woman teaches us that true faith is humble and persevering.
St. Gregory the Great notes that her humility led to her exaltation:
“By her humility, she deserved mercy. She did not say, ‘I am not a dog,’ but she acknowledged the truth and therefore merited to receive the gift she sought.” (Homilies on the Gospels, 3.24)
Lenten Application: Embracing Our Responsibility and Persevering in Faith
Both readings call us to personal accountability and trust in God’s mercy.
- Like the just man in Ezechiel, we must strive for holiness and take responsibility for our own sins. This means examining our conscience, making a sincere confession, and committing to a life of virtue.
- Like the Canaanite woman, we must not let obstacles weaken our faith. God sometimes delays in answering us, not to reject us, but to test and strengthen our perseverance.
St. Ambrose sums up this lesson beautifully:
“Mercy is granted not to those who claim it as a right, but to those who seek it in humility.” (Exposition on the Gospel of Luke, 7.18)
May this Lent be a time of humble conversion, personal accountability, and unwavering faith. Let us take responsibility for our spiritual lives, trusting that even the smallest “crumb” of God’s grace is enough to transform us.
Prayer for Lent
O Lord, grant me the grace to acknowledge my sins and seek Thy mercy with perseverance. Teach me to walk in Thy commandments and to trust in Thee even when I feel unworthy. Like the Canaanite woman, may I never cease to pray, knowing that Thy love is greater than my weakness. Amen.
As we continue this Lenten journey, let us meditate on these readings and strive to grow in both responsibility and faith, knowing that the Lord is merciful to all who truly seek Him.