Jeremiah 31:1-7 / Matthew 15:21-28
Normally we are quite in control of our emotions. Whether we are happy or sad, we would not be too expressive about our emotions.
Of course there are times when it is difficult to hold back our emotions, like for example at a funeral when we might be overcome with sadness, or at a birthday celebration where we will revelling in joy and happiness.
Yet no matter what, we won't lose control of ourselves and go around wailing in sadness or shouting with excitement.
Yet the 1st reading is telling the people of God to shout with joy and not to hold back their emotions, and for a good reason.
Indeed, the Lord has saved His people and certainly it calls for a celebration; hence very expressive words are used - Proclaim! Praise! Shout!
Certainly salvation is not a light matter that does not evoke any emotions. Because the salvation is from a very real evil - suffering, pain, oppression, slavery, torture and death.
And we can also be sure that the Canaanite woman would be shouting with joy that her daughter was delivered from evil and was well again.
She was not only persistent, she was also more desperate for her daughter and she was shouting her plea for Jesus to save her daughter.
In the end, she would be shouting for joy and praising the Lord for saving her daughter.
Yes, as the Responsorial Psalm would put it: The Lord will guard us as a shepherd guards His flock.
Yes the Lord God is our Saviour. That is something to shout about, and more also to give thanks and praise.