Reflect today on those moments in your life when you feel that God is silent

And behold, a Canaanite woman from that district came and cried out, “Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David! My daughter is tormented by a demon. ”But Jesus did not say a word in response to her. Jesus' disciples came and asked him: "Send her away, because she keeps calling us." Matthew 15: 22-23

This is one of those fascinating stories where Jesus' actions could easily be misunderstood. As the story unfolds, Jesus responds to this woman's desire for help by stating, "It is not right to take baby food and throw it to the dogs." Ouch! This initially sounds rude. But of course it wasn't because Jesus was never rude.

Jesus' initial silence towards this woman and her seemingly rude words are actions through which Jesus is able not only to purify this woman's faith, but also to give her the opportunity to manifest her faith for all to see. Finally, Jesus cries out: "O woman, great is your faith!"

If you wish to walk the path of holiness, this story is for you. It is a story through which we come to understand that great faith comes from purification and unshakable trust. This woman says to Jesus: "Please, Lord, because even dogs eat the leftovers that fall from their masters' table." In other words, he begged for mercy despite his unworthiness.

It is essential to understand that sometimes God seems to be silent. This is an act of deep love on His part because it is actually an invitation to turn to Him on a very deep level. God's silence allows us to move from a faith fueled by recognition and emotion to a faith fueled by pure trust in His mercy.

Reflect today on those moments in your life when you feel that God is silent. Know that those moments are actually moments of invitation to trust on a new and deeper level. Take a leap of trust and allow your faith to be more completely purified so that God can do great things in you and through you!

Lord, I recognize that I am not worthy of Your grace and mercy in my life in every way. But I also recognize that you are merciful beyond understanding and that your mercy is so great that you wish to pour it out on me, a poor and unworthy sinner. I ask for this mercy, dear Lord, and I place my total trust in You. Jesus, I trust You.