Jesus’ Life: Chapter 8 – Jesus’ Ministry In Galilee (Part 3)
Have you ever been relentlessly followed by a persistent vendor, beggar or someone who simply wouldn’t take, “NO”, for an answer?
Jesus was! But, it was begging of a different kind. It was a woman from Canaan who saw Jesus and begged Him to heal her, “Horribly demon-possessed daughter”. Jesus, at first, did not answer her, so she kept on calling to him. Even the disciples were annoyed and asked Jesus to send her away.
The persistent woman then came and bowed down in front of Him, saying, “Lord, help me!”
Jesus said to her, “Your faith is great”, and from that moment, her daughter was healed. (Matthew 15:21-28, Mark 7:24-30)
Thought
Beggars are often despised, like the people from Canaan at that time.
Our reasons for avoiding beggars may be our perceived inability to help or a fear that they are not to be trusted. We may even think that getting involved could lead to unknown dangers.
Sometimes when I see a beggar, I wonder, which of us is the more afraid! Then, like Jesus, it becomes impossible for me to ignore those who plead. With the beggar’s undying faith in me, they also know that I can help, if I am willing.
As the Canaan woman demonstrated, faith in Jesus is a very rewarding virtue.
Reflection
Lord Jesus, strengthen my faith in your almighty power and grant me the grace to use it wisely to help others.
Prayer: Faith (St Benedict)
Gracious and Holy Father,
give us the wisdom to discover You,
the intelligence to understand You,
the diligence to seek after You,
the patience to wait for You,
eyes to behold You,
a heart to meditate upon You,
and a life to proclaim You,
through the power of the Spirit of Jesus, our Lord. Amen.
