A Mother's Faith

Jesus left that place and went away to the district of Tyre and Sidon. Just then a Canaanite woman from that region came out and started shouting, “Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David; my daughter is tormented by a demon.” But he did not answer her at all. And his disciples came and urged him, saying, “Send her away, for she keeps shouting after us.” He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” But she came and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, help me.” He answered, “It is not fair to take the children’s food and throw it to the dogs.” She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.” Then Jesus answered her, “Woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.” And her daughter was healed instantly. Matthew 15:21-28 

A Mother's Faith

Dear God, Mother and Father of all
love was breathed into out new lungs
hope wrapped tightly and held us
we were mothered in faith and promise.

Some are now despised and discounted
in this world the terrors are too many
alien and other are abused and beaten
although you love is guaranteed to everyone.

Give us eyes to see You in each stranger
never let us treat the other as wild dogs
help us to see our family weeping here
make us stand with those in agony now.

We need healing and respite for all,
make us strong to respond and persist
let us be fiercely loving like that mother
let us fight for each child as our very own. Amen