Wednesday of the Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Saint Sixtus II and Companions (-258); Saint Cajetan (1480-1547)

Readings of the Day
RB: Ch 55:1-14 Clothing and Footwear
Mass: Nb 13:1-2, 25-14:1, 26a-29a, 34-35; Resp Ps 106; Mt 15:21-28

Remember us, Lord, as you favor your people.

I go to the contrast between today's readings. In the Book of Numbers, we read that the Israelites become afraid to enter the land of the Canaanites, a land flowing with milk and honey. They cower: "the whole community broke out with loud cries, and even at night the people wailed"! The Lord was not at all happy with the complaints of His chosen people; with their lack of faith in His guidance, love, and mercy. God was angry; "How long will this wicked assembly grumble against me?" In the Gospel, we have a pagan Canaanite woman full of faith. She asks the Lord for pity on her and her possessed daughter. Jesus ignores her and the disciples wanted to send her away. In a time of need and with all humility, the woman does not become angry. She is persistent. Please, "Lord, help me." Still, Jesus does not extend much compassion. Oh, but this woman is ready to take whatever the Master will give her. She is not afraid. "O woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish." And her daughter was healed from that hour.

I love this beautiful Canaanite woman. May I be so humble, so bold, so courageous, so full of faith. What do you suppose her name was?

ASK AND IT SHALL BE GIVEN TO YOU. 

SEEK AND YOU WILL FIND. 

KNOCK AND THE DOOR WILL BE OPENED FOR YOU. 

Lord, we believe, help our unbelief.

SAINT SIXTUS II AND COMPANIONS, SAINT CAJETAN,
PRAY FOR US.