Reflect today, on the faith of the woman of the Gospel of the day

Soon a woman whose daughter had an unclean spirit learned about him. She came and fell at his feet. The woman was Greek, Syrian-Phoenician by birth, and begged him to cast out the demon from her daughter. Mark 7: 25–26 The love of a parent is powerful. And the woman in this story clearly loves her daughter. It is that love that drives this mother to seek Jesus in the hope that He will free her daughter from the demon that possessed her. Interestingly, this woman was not of the Jewish faith. She was a gentile, a foreigner, but her faith was very real and very deep. When Jesus first met this woman, he begged him to deliver his daughter from the demon. Jesus' response was surprising at first. He told her, “Let the babies get fed first. Because it is not fair to take children's food and throw it to dogs “. In other words, Jesus was saying that his mission was first to the people of Israel, the chosen people of the Jewish faith. They were the "children" Jesus spoke of, and the Gentiles, like this woman, were those referred to as "the dogs". Jesus spoke this way to this woman not out of rudeness, but because he could see her deep faith and wanted to give her the opportunity to manifest that faith for all to see. And so he did.

The woman replied to Jesus, "Lord, even the dogs under the table eat the children's leftovers." Her words were not only exceptionally humble, they were also based on deep faith and a deep love for her daughter. Consequently, Jesus responds generously and immediately frees his daughter from the demon. In our life, it is easy to fall into the trap of thinking that we deserve God's mercy. We may think we are entitled to God's grace. And even though Jesus deeply desires to pour out his grace and mercy in overabundance on our lives, it is essential that we understand. fully our unworthiness before Him. The disposition of this woman's heart is a perfect example for us of how we must come to our Lord. Reflect today on the beautiful example of this woman of deep faith. Prayerfully read his words over and over. Try to understand her humility, her hope and her love for her daughter. As you do this, pray that you can imitate her goodness so that you can share the blessings she and her daughter have received.

My merciful Lord, I trust in your perfect love for me and for all peoples. I especially pray for those who carry heavy burdens and for those whose life is deeply intertwined with evil. Please free them, dear Lord, and welcome them into your family so that they become true children of your Father. May I have the humility and faith that I need to help bring this abundance of grace to others. Jesus I believe in you.