Today’s Gospel reading begins with Jesus and his disciples withdrawing to a region of the gentiles, Tyre and Sidon. Perhaps Jesus would have wanted to spend time in prayer with his disciples after many healings, miracles, teachings and arguments with the Pharisees and teachers of the law. They did not want to be disturbed but the Canaanite disturbs them, by crying out to Jesus to heal her daughter. This woman reveals the secret of answered prayer through faith and perseverance. She was not of Jewish faith but knew that Jesus is the only one who could help her. Thus, she acts with persistence and she does not get discouraged by the disciples’ irritation or the negative remarks of Jesus. Jesus answers her prayer. In our lives too, we will face many hardships and challenges that can shake or weaken our faith. But the Gospel reading reminds us to keep the faith, keep on praying because God is listening and waiting for the perfect time to answer our prayer.

PRAYER: Abba Father, thank you for the gift of your Son, Jesus. Amen.