Florida Council of Catholic Women/Province of Miami at P. O. Box 1811, Labelle, FL 33975 US - THE CANAANITE WOMAN

Jesue had spent some time in Phoenicia confronting the Pharisees who were hostile to him. He was weary and downhearted when a woman came to him with a request for her daughter's deliverance from demons. "Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David; my daughter is tormented by demons." (Mathew 15:22) Jesus did not reply but the disciples wanted to get rid of her and they advised him saying, "Send her away, for she keeps shouting after us." The woman continued with her cry for help. Finally, Jesus responded, I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel." The woman continued, determined to be heard. "Lord help me," she cried as she fell at his feet. Jesus tried to explain that she was a pagan and an outsider and his mission was to the children of Israel. He said, "It is not fair to take the children's food and throw it to the dogs." The woman responded, "The crumbs left over from his mission to the children will be enough to heal my daughter." Jesus was astonished at the depth of her faith and healed her daughter. This story reflects the fact that the mission of Jesus is to all people of faith. The Canaanite Woman convinced Jesus of her faith by her persistence. She represents all the outsiders in the world and reminds us that our ministry is to comfort the afflicted, excluded and forgotten people. We as Catholic women must open our doors and hearts to everyone without regard to education, cultural background or causes different from our own. Reflection: Who are the "outsiders" in your life? Why do they make you uncomfortable? How can you help them? The Canaanite Woman was persistent in her prayer. Do we sometimes give up too soon" Are we discouraged because we can't see any results from our prayers? Prayer: O Lord, you tested the faith of the Canaanite Woman by your silence. Teach me to be patient. I know that the faith of a mother can benefit her children and that prayer and determination can move mountains.

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