Today’s gospel gives us the story of the Canaanite woman whose daughter was possessed by a demon. At first her cry for mercy was ignored by Jesus. Then after the apostles tried to get rid of her, Jesus addressed her contemptuously as a dog.

She still persists, saying: “Please, Lord, even the dogs eat the scraps that fall from their masters table.” Finally Jesus acknowledges her indomitable Spirit: “ Woman, you have great faith! Your wish will come to pass.” That moment the daughter was healed.

The irony is that the woman asked for a small crumb from the Lord’s table of miracles. Not only did she secure the crumb of healing, but also access through faith to the Lord’s messianic banquet. She asked for deliverance of her daughter from the demon, and received the privilege to become one of the Lord’s chosen people.

If we never quit or allow ourselves to get discouraged, there is nothing we can not accomplish. If we are persistent in our relationship with God, His power will allow us to prevail. If we remain steadfast in our efforts no matter how insurmountable the obstacles or insoluble the problems, with God’s grace we will ultimately overcome them.

In our battles against the nuclear arms race, the spread of pornography or legalized abortion, are we ready to accept ridicule and not give up our resolve? Are we strong enough to suffer temporary setbacks, but not surrender the fight? Can we be looked at as fools and still not lose our faith?

God Bless,

Msgr. Powell