Daily Reflection – 2/9/2023
Sacred Scripture
Jesus went to the district of Tyre. He entered a house and wanted no one to know about it, but he could not escape notice. Soon a woman whose daughter had an unclean spirit heard about him. She came and fell at his feet. The woman was a Greek, a Syrophoenician by birth, and she begged him to drive the demon out of her daughter. He said to her, “Let the children be fed first. For it is not right to take the food of the children and throw it to the dogs.” She replied and said to him, “Lord, even the dogs under the table eat the children’s scraps.” Then he said to her, “For saying this, you may go. The demon has gone out of your daughter.” When the woman went home, she found the child lying in bed and the demon gone. (Mark 7:24-30)
Reflection
Faith.
One word. A word that has been written about throughout history. A word that is foundational in a discussion of theology and religion.
But a word that has become diluted by humankind because it has become a part of our vernacular. Politicians use. Coaches use it. Parents use it. Commercials use it. . . and on and on.
You and I have an avid interest in it because we believe in Him and want to actualize his faith in our life.
In today’s scripture, a Gentile woman teaches us so much about bringing our faith alive. She was willing to suffer rebuff in order to obtain healing for her child. Just as most of us would do. She would not be “put off.”
Her example offers us further insights into our understanding of faith.
She had great spiritual insight. She was not asking the Lord to alter the way he was implementing the plan of God. She was simply asking for a “crumb.” We may not know the will of God, but we understand that his goodness and love permeate our life.
This mother illustrated the connection between faith and unfavorable circumstances. Great faith will rely upon the Son of God. Faith becomes stronger in times of distress for those who tenaciously depend on God (cf. James 1:2-4). We must never give up on our belief in God’s mercy. He is always there and will always be there for us.
This woman demonstrated that great faith seeks the welfare of others. Those who trust in God will intercede for others. How much more ought we to be concerned about the spiritual welfare of those we love? In today’s world our love and compassion is needed desperately.
The Gentile lady showed the relationship of faith and humility. Her humble disposition complimented her genuine faith. Great faith is seeing one’s complete dependence upon God. That’s difficult for some but to know God is to live a life that is truly depended on Him.
She taught us that great faith endures. She was steadfast and resilient in her request of the Lord. Reminiscent of the woman who pursued the unjust judge, she reminds us to always pray and never give up (cf. Luke 18:1ff).
The distressed mother exemplified that great faith in the Son of God will result in a great deliverance. What a relevant message. We need to cultivate great faith so that we may obtain the greater deliverance through the Great Physician — the healing and the salvation of our souls.
Prayer of The Day
“Lord, your love and mercy knows no bounds. May I trust you always and pursue you with indomitable persistence as this woman did. Increase my faith in your saving power and deliver me for all evil and harm. “
Daily Note
The faith of the Woman in today’s Gospel grew in contact with the person of Jesus. She began with a request and she ended on her knees in worshipful prayer to the living God. No one who ever sought Jesus with faith — whether Jew or Gentile — was refused his help. Do you seek Jesus with expectant faith?
I’m reminded of the oldest member of our church praying a new line to me: “The love that answers every call” – maybe from some old hymn? Anyway thanks for this post – she got her answer!