August 20, 2023 - From the Desk of Fr. Stephen

Dear Parishioners and Friends,
This Gospel passage (Matthew 15:21) describes the only occasion in which Jesus ministered outside of Jewish territory. (Tyre and Sidon were about fifty miles north of Israel and still exist today.) A Gentile woman, a foreigner who was not a member of the Jewish people, puts Jesus on the spot by pleading for his help. At first Jesus seemed to pay no attention to her, and this made his disciples feel embarrassed. Jesus does this to test the woman to awaken
faith in her.

Jesus tests this woman's faith to see if she is earnest in receiving holy things from the hand of a holy God. Jesus, no doubt, spoke with a smile rather than with an insult because this woman immediately responds with wit and faith; "even the dogs eat the crumbs".

Jesus praises a Gentile woman for her faith and for her love. She made the misery of her child her own and she was willing to suffer rebuff in order to obtain healing for her loved one. She also had indomitable persistence. Her faith grew in contact with the person of Jesus.  She began with a request and she ended on her knees in worshipful prayer to the living God. No onewho ever sought Jesus with earnest faith (whether Jew or Gentile) was refused his help.

Do you seek the Lord Jesus with expectant faith?

Have a blessed and happy week!
Fr. Stephen