Many hard emotions are present in today’s Gospel reading. We might feel confidence, fear, boldness, persistence, joy, faith, trust, and gratitude. Which ones do you perceive? The first thing that comes to my mind is that seeing a daughter (or son) in such pain with no way to help them is overwhelming. Imagine yourself as the Canaanite woman in this scene. You courageously follow this Jesus, whom you hear is healing people everywhere He goes. As soon as you get close enough, you are at a loss for words. You simply cry out, “Have pity on me! Help me! I’m desperate and have nowhere else to turn!”
The Canaanite woman’s request wasn’t worded in a special or holy way and God doesn’t ask that of us. Sometimes simply being bold and persistent shows that we have faith and trust in Him. We are already special and holy because God made us in His image and likeness, and made us part of His family through Baptism and the Holy Spirit.
Considering the woman’s boldness and faith, Jesus’s response seems harsh. If I had just pushed past my fear and confidently asked for help like the Canaanite woman, I believe His reaction would have made me cower and feel the piercing pain of rejection. I would have wanted a hug, some sign that He understood, but she does not let it sway her and presses onward.
Fr. Columba Jordan CFR, said that Jesus recognizes greatness in the Canaanite woman and does what He can to bring it out, serving as an example for us. His initial silence does not mean He is ignoring her, nor is His comment about the dogs an insult. Jesus wanted to show us through the Canaanite woman’s actions, that sometimes all He needs to hear is complete trust. That is a true sign of faith and love. Sometimes we turn back to a safe place instead of pursuing Jesus during difficult times. He is teaching us not to be afraid of what makes us uncomfortable, but to look to Him with confidence, trust, persistence, joy, faith, and gratitude.
What is the last thing you persistently asked Jesus for? He is right beside you, just waiting for you to courageously ask for His help.
En la lectura del Evangelio de hoy están presentes muchas emociones intensas. Podríamos experimentar confianza, miedo, audacia, perseverancia, alegría, fe, seguridad y gratitud. ¿Cuáles percibes tú? Lo primero que me viene a la mente es que ver a una hija (o a un hijo) sufriendo tanto, sin tener forma alguna de ayudarla, resulta abrumador. Imagínate a ti mismo en el lugar de la mujer cananea en esta escena. Sigues con valentía a este Jesús, de quien has oído decir que sana a las personas dondequiera que va. En cuanto logras acercarte lo suficiente, te quedas sin palabras. Simplemente clamas: «¡Ten piedad de mí! ¡Ayúdame! ¡Estoy desesperada y no tengo a dónde más acudir!»
La petición de la mujer cananea no fue formulada de una manera especial o santa, y Dios no nos exige eso a nosotros. A veces, el simple hecho de ser audaces y perseverantes demuestra que tenemos fe y confianza en Él. Nosotros ya somos especiales y santos, pues Dios nos creó a Su imagen y semejanza, y nos hizo parte de Su familia por medio del Bautismo y del Espíritu Santo.
Considerando la audacia y la fe de la mujer, la respuesta de Jesús parece dura. Si yo acabara de vencer mi miedo y pidiera ayuda con confianza —tal como hizo la mujer cananea—, creo que Su reacción me habría hecho encogerme y sentir el dolor punzante del rechazo. Habría deseado un abrazo, alguna señal de que Él me comprendía; sin embargo, ella no permite que eso la desanime y sigue insistiendo.
El P. Columba Jordan, CFR, afirmó que Jesús reconoce la grandeza en la mujer cananea y hace todo lo posible por sacarla a relucir, sirviendo así de ejemplo para nosotros. Su silencio inicial no significa que la esté ignorando, ni tampoco es un insulto Su comentario acerca de los perros. Jesús quiso mostrarnos, a través de las acciones de la mujer cananea, que a veces todo lo que Él necesita escuchar es una confianza absoluta. Esa es una verdadera señal de fe y amor. En ocasiones, en lugar de buscar a Jesús durante los momentos difíciles, retrocedemos hacia un lugar seguro. Él nos está enseñando a no temer lo que nos resulta incómodo, sino a dirigir nuestra mirada hacia Él con confianza, seguridad, perseverancia, alegría, fe y gratitud.
¿Cuál fue la última cosa que le pediste a Jesús con perseverancia? Él está a tu lado, esperando que le pidas Su ayuda con valentía y fe.
Marti Garcia’s passions are her retired life and growing deeper in her Catholic faith. Marti is a Sacristan/EM, facilitates small groups, and assists as a First Communion Catechist for parents. Being a parent educator and writer for 35 years, she recently published a children’s chapter book on Amazon, The Ladybugs. You can find her at her blog: MartiGarcia.org, or thewaterisshallow.com, or her cohost podcast, findingacommonthread.com, which is coming soon.
Feature Image Credit: Willem van Oordt, art.diocesan.com/stock-photo/jesus-and-the-canaanite-woman-11119/
The views and opinions expressed in the Inspiration Daily blog are solely those of the original authors and contributors. These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of Diocesan, the Diocesan staff, or other contributors to this blog.
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