August 07, 2019

Mt 15: 21-28

Jesus left that place and went away to the district of Tyre and Sidon. Just then a Canaanite woman from that region came out and started shouting, “Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David; my daughter is tormented by a demon.” But he did not answer her at all. And his disciples came and urged him, saying, “Send her away, for she keeps shouting after us.” 

He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” But she came and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, help me.” He answered, “It is not fair to take the children’s food and throw it to the dogs.” She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.” 

Then Jesus answered her, “Woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.” And her daughter was healed instantly.

New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989, by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. USCCB approved.

Persevering in our requests

Most mothers will do almost anything to get help for their sick child. They will care for them, call the doctor, find medications. Nothing is too much when it comes to healing their loved ones. Jesus met this kind of mother in today’s Gospel account. This foreigner asked Jesus for healing upon her daughter. At first, Jesus seems to limit his power to those of his own faith tradition.  But his hesitation actually encourages the woman’s faith. Jesus finally acknowledged her request when he saw her strength of conviction. He accepted even the faith of a foreigner and so included the woman and her daughter into his healing arms.  

It is the same with us. Regardless of what distances us or sins we have, Our Lord, in his time, looks beyond our foreign ways and offers his abundant blessings and mercy, simply because we ask with perseverance and faith. Let’s make a point today to repeat the words of the Canaanite woman, “Lord, help me.” 

—Kathy England is a Pastoral Associate at St. Francis Xavier Church in Cincinnati, OH.

Prayer

Father, Jesus cured the sick
and healed the suffering.
Give comfort to those who are sick.
May your Spirit heal their bodies
and soothe their minds, leading them
to find peace and hope in your grace. 

—Kathy England