Dearest Goddaughter (LTR-95) - Overcoming Obstacles, Persevering in Prayer

Dearest Goddaughter,

In today's Gospel, we see two examples of things that can discourage us in our prayer life: (1) those around us and (2) when we perceive that God does not answer our prayers.

The Canaanite woman came to Jesus and asked him to heal her daughter, who was tormented by a demon. Unfortunately, one of the disciples said to Jesus in her presence: “Send her away, for she keeps calling out after us.” Who do we have in our lives that discourage us from praying? Who is it that, whenever we go to Mass, go to Adoration, or some event at the parish, not only does not join us but makes snarky remarks each and every time? This can discourage us from going to Mass, from praying, from doing a Holy Hour, or from enriching ourselves by learning more about our faith. However, Jesus tells us to keep the faith and continue to do all these things courageously.

Another obstacle to our prayer life is us perceiving that God is ignoring our prayers because our prayers are not answered. In those moments, let us remember what the Lord our God said in Jeremiah 29:11: "For I know well the plans I have in mind for you. . . plans for your welfare and not for woe, so as to give you a future of hope," and be encouraged to persevere in prayer. God will answer our prayers, according to His will (not ours) and in His time (not ours). As children of God, we have to be patient and trust in God's will and providence for us. In time, God will answer our prayers and we will hear Him say to us: ". . .great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.”

Love,

Bỏ Phúc

P.S. These are the readings for the day: JER 31:1-7 and MT 15:21-28 (see below).

. . .

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.