You have great faith, let your wish be granted

Num. 13:1-2.25-14:1.26-29.34-35, Mt. 15:21-28. Today's Liturgy encourages hope and perseverance in spite of rejection and delay, for God is merciful. In today's first reading, Caleb and his fellow men were chosen to scout ahead of the whole nation of Israel to see the promised land and their ancestors, Canaan. When they saw the whole land and it inhabitants, everyone except Caleb, speak negatively and gave up quickly in the face of giants and a heavily walled city guarded by a fierce and strong people. God had done so much for His people and yet, they refused to believe and trust Him. They became fearful and refused to enter the promised land because they did not have strong and genuine faith in God. They thought rather in human and worldly terms, afraid that they were not powerful enough to overcome the many people living in Canaan at that time, some of whom were described as powerful and mighty, even like giants in appearance.

In contrast, the Syro-Phoenician in today's Gospel expresses a strong and genuine faith in God, when she begged the Lord to heal her daughter and cast out the demon that had been tormenting her. Today, we are called to follow the example of the faithful Canaanite woman who had faith in the Lord and devoted herself wholeheartedly to Him. Despite the rejection and refusal she seemed to be getting, she remained firm in her resolution to be faithful and trust in God, unlike the Israelites who had wavered in their faith so easily just because of the challenges they were to face ahead of them. This woman succeeded in gaining the attention of Jesus by repeating her request in the face of all resistance. This woman’s faith certainly moves mountains. This pagan woman's action encourages us to persevere, even when our prospects seem bleak. She inspires us to keep trying, even when the Lord seems silent and distant.

May the Lord put His love in our hearts, so that we may always work in harmony for justice and good of the whole world! Amen!! Good morning and have a wonderful day!!!