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.
REFLECTION
“O woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.”
So many times when self pity overtakes me, I see myself as the Canaanite woman. Begging God for my children, friends, husband, self, good health, and the world but sometimes I see no response.
In fact, my mind asks me, "Why do you bother to pray?"
Eventually with that attitude my prayer life becomes a quick "dash of prayers for my intentions" as my faith starts to abate, and resignation sets up an official residence in my soul. I keep wondering, why were my plans and hopes not answered?
Daily we are reminded through the Bible, homilies, writings of saints and holy people to be persistent in prayer, profoundly humble and confident that we are "to praise the power of Christ crucified to raise a person out of ignorance, helplessness and worthlessness and lift the person up to His presence and into the joy and glory of the Risen Lord". (Five Loaves and Two Fish by Cardinal François-Xavier Nguyễn Văn Thuận)
Never give up praying and asking. He is listening.
Prayer to the Holy Spirit
(Traditionally attributed to St. Augustine (354–430)
Come, Holy Spirit, enlighten my heart, that I may see the things that are of God.
Come, Holy Spirit, into my mind, that I may know the things that are of God.
Come, Holy Spirit, into my soul, that I may belong only to God.
Sanctify all that I think, say, and do, that everything may be for the greater glory of God.
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