Catholic Identity
Jake Wilkinson, Leader of Religious Education & Catholic Identity
Gospel reading
Matthew 15:21-28
Leaving that place, Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon. A Canaanite woman from that vicinity came to him, crying out, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is demon-possessed and suffering terribly.”
Jesus did not answer a word. So his disciples came to him and urged him, “Send her away, for she keeps crying out after us.”
He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel.”
The woman came and knelt before him. “Lord, help me!” she said.
He replied, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.”
“Yes it is, Lord,” she said. “Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.”
Then Jesus said to her, “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.” And her daughter was healed at that moment.
Summary
In this Gospel, Jesus meets a Canaanite woman whose daughter is very sick. Even though she is not Jewish, she believes that Jesus can heal her child. At first, Jesus does not answer her request, and his words seem to test her faith. Instead of giving up, the woman remains humble and continues to trust in him. Jesus is moved by her great faith and heals her daughter.
This reading reminds us that God's love is for everyone. Faith is not about being perfect or always having the right words. It is about trusting Jesus, even when life is difficult or when our prayers seem unanswered. Like the Canaanite woman, we are called to keep bringing our needs to Christ with confidence, knowing that he hears us and loves us.
Reflection Questions
- When have I needed to keep trusting God, even when the answer to my prayer did not come straight away?
- How can I show the same humility, perseverance and faith as the Canaanite woman in my daily life?
Prayer
Loving Jesus ,
Thank you for showing us that your love reaches every person who comes to you in faith. Help us to trust you when life is difficult and to keep turning to you in prayer, even when we must wait. Strengthen our faith so that we may follow you with humble and hopeful hearts.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
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