Fr. Yamil A. Samalot Rivera, OP is from Isabela, on the northwest coast of Puerto Rico. He teaches Dogmatic Theology but has also been blessed return to teaching in his original field of study and research: Portuguese and Brazilian Studies, as well as, the relationship between Theology and Postmodern Culture. Currently he is Assistant Professor of Theology and Humanities at the University of the Sacred Heart (est. 1880).
Jesus challenged his disciples to go beyond the Law, adding to the sin of murder that it was a sin to even be angry with your brother. Lent is a time to try to live up to this higher standard.
After calling a foreigner a "dog," Jesus is moved by the woman's chutzpah and cures her daughter. Can the pain and suffering of others move us beyond our own prejudices to help the most needy we encounter?
Jesus taught his disciples that nothing that enters us from without can make us impure. Rather, the malice and bad thoughts in our hearts that come out in our words and actions make us impure. This is a call to us to let go of the superficial things of religion and examine our own hearts and actions.
Unlike other teachers of his day, Jesus taught with authority and his words liberated people from suffering. Perhaps we can make a New Year's resolution to make our words liberate others.