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Today's Gospel: Matthew 15:21-28

Perseverance in prayer is a powerful message found in today's Gospel. The Canaanite woman was most likely a pagan as were most of the inhabitants of Tyre and Sidon. But she recognized Jesus as the Messiah, the son of David, something not even the Jewish Scribes and Pharisees recognized.  She knew she could take her humble request to Christ and believed He would grant it.

She approached first with a plea for His mercy, then asked for the healing of her daughter.  But her first plea was not granted, nor her second. This did not stop her. A third time she begged The Lord for the healing of her possessed daughter.

At this third request, Christ commended her for her faith and healed her daughter.  Such persistence in faith. St. Josemaria Escriva once said, "Persevere in prayer.  Persevere, even when your efforts seem barren.  Prayer is always fruitful."

Ponder:

Do I continue in prayer even when I don't "feel" anything? Do I believe God hears my prayers even when it seems He doesn't? 

Pray:

Lord, I believe you are always near, even when it seems otherwise. Help me to have the persistent faith of the pagan Canaanite woman and never lose hope in You. Amen.

Copyright 2014 Diane Schwind