When couples come to us for marriage class, I give them three challenges - (1) pray for each other and pray together, (2) go to Mass, and (3) if they are cohabitating, then stay in separate rooms. In today's Gospel passage, Jesus teachings us about the importance of perseverance in our prayer life in his encounter with the Canaanite woman.
The Canaanite woman comes to the Lord asking him to free her daughter who is being tormented by a demon. At first, he does not respond to her. When his disciples ask him to send her away, he responds that he came for the children of Israel. Yet, she persists and asks him, "Lord, help me." This time, the Lord responds in a way that most people would be offended by, give up, and walk away in anger. Not the Canaanite woman, she persists. Finally, the Lord says to her, "O woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish."
God answers our prayers, in His time and according to His divine will; however, while he seemingly makes us wait, He desires that we persevere in prayer so that we can grow closer in our relationship with Him. It is difficult for us to wait, not doubt about it. However, we are called to pray and trust in God and, in our faithfulness to you, He will respond with something even greater for us.
Therefore, dearest goddaughter, pray and trust in God. Perseverance in faith is holiness and saintliness.
Love,
Bỏ Phúc
P.S. These are the readings for the day: Nm 13:1-2, 25–14:1, 26a-29a, 34-35 and Mt 15: 21-28.
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