7 August, 2024 | Wednesday of the Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Reading: Jer 31:1-7

Gospel Mt 15:21-28



 At that time Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon.

And behold, a Canaanite woman of that district came and called out,
“Have pity on me, Lord, Son of David!
My daughter is tormented by a demon.”
But he did not say a word in answer to her.
His disciples came and asked him,
“Send her away, for she keeps calling out after us.”
He said in reply,
“I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.”
But the woman came and did him homage, saying, “Lord, help me.”
He said in reply,
“It is not right to take the food of the children
and throw it to the dogs.”
She said, “Please, Lord, for even the dogs eat the scraps
that fall from the table of their masters.”
Then Jesus said to her in reply,
“O woman, great is your faith!
Let it be done for you as you wish.”
And her daughter was healed from that hour.

Reflections:

In life, we face many anxieties and needs. Pain visits us, problems abound, and sadness suffocates us. We seek immediate responses and become discouraged if they don't come. We ask for help and often feel unheard. Why doesn't God listen? We grow disconcerted, doubt God, and even despair. Could God be testing us? How long does our faith last? God allows this anguish to purify our intentions, so we continue believing even if He doesn't respond immediately. The disciples lost patience and urged Jesus to act. His heart, full of mercy, was moved. He waited to see the woman's faith, and because her faith was great, Jesus said, "May what you wish come true."

Activity:  

Today in the face of a difficulty, make an act of faith and confidently ask for God's help.



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