TRY PERSISTENCE

In today’s Gospel, the Canaanite woman, notwithstanding her being a Gentile, dared Jesus to transcend the Father’s plan for the sake of a faithful in need. This is an example of the supremacy of spirit over the law. It was also an opportunity for Jesus to reveal God’s universal love.

A great faith, we can say, is Jesus’ weakness. He saw the faith, determination, and love of the Canaanite woman. His initial response was in obedience to the Father who sent Him on a mission. It was not a rejection of her request but a faithfulness to God’s plan. However, the woman’s persistence and relentless pleading made Jesus discern His action. He could not disregard and turn down a woman and a mother of great faith. The woman begged, in faith, for her ailing daughter. Thus, He could not but give in to her request. Her daughter was healed. Certainly, for that mother, her daughter, their relatives, and the whole community, the message was sent loud and clear: Jesus is a great prophet, a great healer, and possibly the Messiah they were waiting for.

We cannot underestimate the power and potential of faith. No wonder Jesus tells us to recognize that gift in us. We need to cultivate it for it to grow and bear fruit in us. Through faith, God’s bountiful grace comes to us. It may seem that, at times, God needs our persistence. In truth, God is a generous God. He gives graces unconditionally. If we need to be persistent, it is for us to show our trust in God and our need for His grace.

A faithful person does not rely on fallbacks. One who does would easily give in after some time. But the faithful person has nothing in mind except to pursue God no matter how long it takes and how far it goes. He fully entrusts himself to God. He accepts his fate in God’s hands. This was exemplified by the Canaanite woman in the Gospel today. And it will be good for us to imitate her example. Fr. Benny Tuazon

---------- REFLECTION QUESTION ----------

Is there something you’ve been praying for that has not been answered yet? Try to have persistence like that of the Canaanite woman’s.

Grant me the grace to pursue You and rely on Your mercy and compassion for whatever I need. Amen.

Today, I pray for: _____________________________