Great is Your Fatih!

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 woman without a name, a Canaanite woman, comes to Jesus for her daughter's sake. As a mother I know how I have felt when my daughters are hurting, sick or in some sort of danger. I would give my life for them in an instant. I have argued on their behalf with doctors, authorities and others so much more important and powerful than me. Love doesn't quit when there are barriers. Despite Jesus' reluctance, this mother argued with him and found the blessing and healing. We will never forget her story, her insistence and her faith. May we all have the faith of that Mama Bear, who refused to take no for an answer and found healing for her little cub.

Loving Creator, source of all goodness

you send healing and renewal on us all

you increase our love and our faith

as you give us charge of the most vulnerable.

We often cry about the burden we carry

forgetting that they are our very best blessings

thinking that we are forgotten or ignored

we fold into our self-pity, anger and grief.

You are the source of all love and healing

restore our faith so that we might truly be

like the mother that wouldn't stop trying

those whose faith is strong in service. Amen.