by Sister Paulette Hupfauf
The scriptures this Sunday display differing aspects of Jesus' ministry.
Isaiah says, "Observe what is right, do what is just for my salvation is about to come. Foreigners join themselves to the Lord… will be acceptable on my altar, for my house shall be called a house of prayer for all my people."
Then in Matthew we hear the story of Jesus and the Canaanite woman (a foreigner) begging for healing for her daughter. Initially, the disciples suggest to Jesus that he send her away. It is the determination of the woman, who says, "Lord, help me." Jesus says, "O woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish." Her daughter was healed.
What a great example the Canaanite woman is for us! She persists as she has great faith that Jesus is kind and merciful. She does not give up in adversity. When we have a need and ask Jesus in prayer, we can follow her example and, with determination, persist. Our God is a loving God!
Thank you, Sister. Good insights.
Sr. Paulette what a wonderful reflection. Some days I think my prayers will never be answered but I will never give up.
Thanks, Paulette. If there is any time when we need to persist in our prayers for a nonviolent society, it is NOW. Peace to you.
Thanks, Aunt Sr P, remembering that though our prayers may sometimes be answered in a way we do not anticipate, our God is a loving God!
"The loveliest masterpiece of the heart of God is the heart of a mother." St. Therese of Lisieux
I have often wondered if it wasn't the mother's fiercely bold, intent, and steadfastly unquestionable love for her child that JESUS noted to be as "faith."
As a mother, I have known this kind of love. As a grandmother, this love is even more intense, as if it is "quadrupled" inside of me. :+)