Gospel of the Day
A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Matthew 15:21–28
At that time Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon.
And behold, a Canaanite woman of that district came and called out, “Have pity on me, Lord, Son of David! My daughter is tormented by a demon.”
But He did not say a word in answer to her. His disciples came and asked Him, “Send her away, for she keeps calling out after us.”
He said in reply, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.”
But the woman came and did Him homage, saying, “Lord, help me.”
He said in reply, “It is not right to take the food of the children and throw it to the dogs.”
She said, “Please, Lord, for even the dogs eat the scraps that fall from the table of their masters.”
Then Jesus said to her in reply, “O woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.”
And her daughter was healed from that hour.
I Trust in You
My good Jesus, You love us without measure. You are perfect goodness.
What are You teaching us in this Gospel through Your attitude towards the Canaanite woman? At first glance, it seems distant and unfeeling. Yet that cannot be, because You are Love itself. Why, then, did You respond in this way?
Your Heart was loving that woman even when it seemed that You were not listening to her or were refusing her request. What were You seeking from her?
You were seeking, as You always do for us, what is best. You wanted to draw out the very best in her—far more than the miracle she was asking for. She begged for her daughter’s healing, but You also desired the conversion of her heart. Conversion begins by recognising our own littleness, embracing humility, and persevering even when everything appears to be against us, never ceasing to trust in You.
That woman did exactly this. She persevered with humility, placing all her trust in You. And You worked the miracle. You marvelled at her great faith, transformed her heart, and granted her request.
Jesus, please help us to trust in You. You will act—not according to my plan, but according to Yours. Through my spouse, by helping me to give myself humbly, to persevere even when I do not understand, and to love even when it hurts. And You will act. In Your time, in Your way—but You will act. Thank You, Lord.
Applied to Married Life
Sandra: Juancho, I can’t take this anymore! It feels as though you’re doing it just to annoy me!
Juancho: But have you heard the way you speak to me straight away? Do I really matter to you?
(After spending time in prayer.)
Sandra: Juancho, please forgive me. I saw myself so clearly in the Canaanite woman. I ask the Lord for something good—for Him to heal our marriage—but I don’t see any results. Unlike her, though, I become angry with you and with Jesus. Today I’ve realised that if the Lord, who loves us infinitely, is allowing us to go through this, it is because this is precisely where He wants to heal us. He has shown me that I must begin by recognising my pride. Deep down, I look at you thinking about what I do well and what you do badly. I’m going to stop keeping score. I’ve asked the Lord to help me focus only on what I need to do: to learn how to love in every circumstance, whatever it may be.
Juancho: Thank you so much, Sandra. I also ask your forgiveness because I stopped fighting for us. It all seemed impossible. But I need to be like the Canaanite woman—to trust in the Lord and persevere. I need to stop looking at myself and start giving everything for our marriage, because it is the most important thing in our lives.
Sandra: Without a doubt, this is our path to Heaven. Let’s keep going! Since we can’t do it on our own, shall we ask for mentor couple support and begin again today with our daily couple prayer and going to Mass together?
Juancho: I think that’s a wonderful idea. Thank you so much!
Prayer
Mother Mary,
Please teach us to trust in your Son, to begin by recognising our own littleness, and to persevere faithfully. Blessed and praised be God!