Welcoming the Holy
Here we invite you to take time for yourself in personal prayer. The following spiritual reflection offers words and images which we hope will evoke for you an experience of God.
By: Sister Joan Cawley
Opening Prayer
Lord, Open my heart that I may be open to all who come my way.
Scripture
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 Jesus did not say a word in answer to her. Jesus’ 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 Jesus 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 the woman’s daughter was healed from that hour. Matthew 15:21-28
Reflection
This passage gives us a lively exchange between Jesus and a woman, a woman who is also a mother. Mothers are determined people when it comes to their children and what they need. Mothers will fight tooth and nail for their children as did the Canaanite woman whom Jesus seemed to ignore. She continued her plea to the chagrin of the disciples. Even when compared to a dog, the woman continued to plead for her daughter and, in her response to Jesus, showed him that his mission was also to others outside the House of Israel. This encounter shows us that no one is excluded from his company. The Good News is to be shared among all peoples.
At times we may feel our prayers go unanswered. This woman teaches us persistence in prayer. We also learn patience – patience with God, with ourselves and with others. God’s love and mercy are open to everyone.
Reflect
How patient is my prayer? How do I treat those who pester me for a share of my time, my attention?
Closing Prayer
God of gracious love, hear our prayers and grant them in the name of Jesus your Son. Amen.
