But the woman came and did Jesus homage, saying, “Lord, help me.”
Matthew 15:25
Reflection
Jesus is approached by a Canaanite woman who wishes for her possessed daughter to be healed. After begging Jesus, he finally submits to her wish because of her faith.
We recently heard this Gospel, and can once again reflect on the woman’s faith. Jesus came to heal and help everyone, but he particularly shows the power of faith when the person who asks for healing is not expected. Jews and Canaanites did not generally interact socially, yet Christ hears the woman’s pleas and rewards her faith.
We should always encourage people to pray to Christ, even those who might not want to or don’t necessarily have a relationship with him. Jesus is waiting for us to come to him, and perhaps one uttered prayer is enough to open a person’s heart. Who can you pray for today for an increase in their faith?
Saint of the Day
St. Stephen of Hungary: 975 – 1038
| “Be humble in this life, that God may raise you up in the next. Be truly moderate and do not punish or condemn anyone immoderately. Be gentle, so that you may never oppose justice. Be honorable, so that you may never voluntarily bring disgrace upon anyone. Be chaste, so that you may avoid all the foulness of lust like the pangs of death.” St. Stephen of Hungary |
The Healing Word 