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 Jesus did not say a word in answer to her.
Jesus' 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 Jesus 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 the woman's daughter was healed from that hour.
REFLECTION
Have you heard of anyone suffering from some kind of dark influence in their lives? Like people saying they hear strange noises in their homes that are not structural. Maybe they feel dark presences, or experience strange/paranormal phenomena.
In a way, there is no wonder that wherever we look people are fascinated with the occult. We find these mostly in young adult literature, movies, home decor, toys, etc. A few weeks ago while at home decor/discount store I saw a "toy" used to summon the spirits in the toy section. It had a very cheery color and font scheme. Definitely aimed to a very young population.
I also know of many adults that are not baptizing their children. There is not even the argument that "they can decide when they are older". It is just not something they would consider at all.
Lastly, I find it interesting people's fascination with demonic activity. They truly believe there are horrible entities out there, but they completely disregard or neglect to acknowledge the existence of God, or any god. It is like some people truly believe they should either submit to these forces, or they should be able to subjugate them with the power of their own will.
In all truth, in my many decades on this green earth, I have only heard one homily about demonic possessions and how they can be prevented. I have heard a few homilies where the priest said that demons don't exist and they are just a psychological/psychiatric phenomena. In school, the chaplains would tell us we don't talk about the devil, to always think positive. It is an attitude that if you don't think about it, it doesn't exist.
On the occasion that the priest openly talked about oppression/possession from the pulpit, he was very candid about it. He said he had been receiving more calls on this regard. Every time he gets these type of calls, he will ask the following: Do you pray? Do you have a crucifix at home? Do you attend Sunday Mass? Do you receive the Sacraments? Are your children Baptized? Have they received First Communion, etc.?
If these answers are negative, which he said they mostly are, then the priest encourages the person or family to start there: Going to confession, attending Sunday Mass, receiving Holy Communion, praying at home individually and as a family, hanging a crucifix in a prominent place in the home. Invite the priest to bless your home. He told us that in many cases the strange phenomena would go away. And of course persevere on this.
This reminds us of the words of St. Alphonsus, where he said that If you pray, you will certainly be saved; if you do not pray, you will certainly be damned.
Let us keep praying for priests so they always have the courage to tell us the truth and proclaim the Truth that is Jesus Christ.
Thx!
Thank you!
thank you !