This Sunday’s Gospel: August 16, 2020

Matthew 15:21-28

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.

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Have you ever noticed a loved one acting differently? Have you ever had to tell a friend “you haven’t been yourself lately?” Jesus doesn’t really act like Jesus in this Sunday’s Gospel. He turns a woman away when she asks him to help her daughter. This is something out of character for Jesus, but he had a reason for this refusal. Of course he wanted to take the demon out of her daughter, but he wanted to see how strong her faith was first. I’m sure he would have gladly healed her daughter regardless, but he was even more pleased with the woman when he witnessed her faith and dedication. How often do we ask Jesus for something and give up? Do we pray with expectant faith and persist with our intentions? Although Jesus would never withhold good things from us, sometimes he allows us to wait so that we can grow in faith and trust in him. If you’re waiting for a sign or for a prayer to be answered, make your faith dynamic while you wait. Take this season as an opportunity to grow so that Jesus can grant you not only your intention, but the grace to strengthen your faith in him.

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