Thus, I find myself uncertain about my ability to delve into the mysteries found within the divinely inspired Scriptures and to analyze the collected sayings therein. The one who preached wisdom among the perfect was capable of such an endeavor. I see those who are discerning, who recognize good and evil. However, even the apostle, familiar with profound teachings, required assistance to spread the gospel within him. Likewise, our psalmist could not offer pleasing praise to God without prayer, for such affirmation is sought through supplication.
Let us also recall the nations with which the tribes of Israel coexisted. Although it may seem we have ventured too deeply into this exploration, historical texts indicate that the land of the Philistines bordered the tribe of Judah, while on the opposite side lay the tribe of Reuben. The Ammonites were in the wilderness, and the territories of those living near Tyre and Sidon reached as far as Galilee, home to the tribes of Zebulun and Naphtali. Isaiah notes, "The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali; the road from the sea to the other side of the Jordan" (Isaiah 9:1). Through this, we gain insight into the various territories and the peoples surrounding each tribe. Because of this proximity, the knowledge of heavenly mysteries gradually extended even to the Gentiles. A vivid example is seen in the narrative of the Canaanite woman, who ventured from her homeland with the hope of encountering Jesus, who was nearby. She renounced the idols of her culture and turned to the true source of salvation. Our Lord acknowledged her strong faith, for the grace of the gospel had begun to illuminate the world, heralding the light that indicated God's presence.
Despite being initially met with disdain, she fervently cried out, persistent in her plea for mercy. Her determination gained her significant recognition: she became the first of the Gentiles to abandon her former beliefs and through her dedicated prayer, received the Lord’s commendation for her faith. Some may find the Lord's statement, "I am sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel" (Matthew 15:24), puzzling. It might appear as though He came solely to save those of the chosen lineage. However, His mission was to redeem all. With these words, He expressed His intent and plan, reaffirming His commitment to those He had chosen, even if they strayed time and again, calling them back with a paternal love. Yet, upon their rejection of their Creator, He recognized that true followers were those ready to act, leading Him to gradually turn to the Gentiles. He met with the faithfulness of the other nations while justly condemning the stubbornness of the Jews.
What then is to be understood from the declaration: "It is not good to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs" (Matthew 15:26)? Here, the term "children" refers to the Israelites, while "dogs" denotes the Gentiles. One might wonder if the privileged are the ones given access to heavenly doctrine, excluding those who earnestly seek it. If faced with an indifferent Israelite who disregards God's words and a devoted Canaanite striving for understanding, would the Lord show favor to the former instead of the latter? Certainly not. We must attentively examine God's message through their discourse. He stated to her, "It is not good to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs." The Canaanite woman replied, "The dogs also eat the crumbs that fall from the table of their masters" (Matthew 15:27). Her humility and fervor were commendable; she did not demand all wisdom immediately, despite having traveled from Tyre and Sidon. Instead, she humbly sought even the smallest morsels of the saving Word that fell from the table of her masters. Those who deeply engage with Scripture typically uncover its profound mysteries. Therefore, it was said to her, "Great is thy faith; let it be done unto thee according to thy desire" (Matthew 15:28). This signifies that the door to the Word would be opened to her, allowing the illuminating mystery of eternal life to shine upon her. Thus, anyone who draws near to Him must strive to encounter Christ, crying out for mercy as the Canaanite woman did when she left her homeland. If the Canaanites could believe, the Jews ought to feel ashamed of their disbelief, allowing the scorn of those around them to pierce their hearts and evoke sorrow.
THEOSIS