Today’s Reflection
Gospel:  Mt 15:21-28
August 9, 2023 | Wednesday

Today’s Gospel

Leaving that place, Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon. A Canaanite woman from the area came and cried out, “Lord, Son of David, have pity on me! My daughter is tormented by a demon.” But Jesus did not answer her, not even a word. So his disciples approached him and said, “Send her away! See how she is shouting after us.”

Then Jesus said to her, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the nation of Israel.”

But the woman was already kneeling before Jesus, and said, “Sir, help me!” Jesus answered, “It is not right to take the bread from the children and throw it to puppies.” The woman replied, “That is true, sir, but even puppies eat the crumbs which fall from their master’s table.” Then Jesus said, “Woman, how great is your faith! Let it be as you wish.” And her daughter was healed at that moment.

Today’s Reflection:

Filipinos love to describe the success of an impossible task as “Suntok sa Buwan”. It means that somebody just did something that is normally unachievable, thus, “punching the moon” which is very impossible. The story of the Canaanite woman figuratively takes her chance of “punching the moon” after her close-to-impossible request of healing from Jesus, which, true enough, was rejected. Not only was she rejected, but she was also called part of the “puppies” who are not worth even the littlest of the falling portions for children. However, the woman persisted despite the rejection and stood conviction, insisting that though she may not be a part of the children, she pleads for something God can give beyond distinction and differences. This describes a prayer that seeks truly the Will of God despite discouragements. /Vulnerasti, 2023