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Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.

Today's Gospel: Mark 7:24-30

“Lord, even the dogs under the table eat the children’s scraps.”

Bishop Barron has called these words “one of the best one-liners in the Scriptures, almost all of which otherwise belong to Jesus himself.” It was a quick response to what might otherwise seem like an unkind remark from Jesus. But Jesus, fully aware of what was in her heart, knew what her comeback would be. She talked back to Him! Did she think she could argue the Lord into healing her daughter? Perhaps she was desperate. What mother cannot understand that feeling?

Did this woman resent the indirect comparison of her family to dogs? Did she think, “How can He compare me or my daughter to a dog under the table?” She was probably not surprised. She knew how she was likely to be treated. She wanted healing for daughter.

I wonder if she gasped a little internally when those words came out of her mouth. Did she think, “I can’t believe I said that!”?

I think this woman came to Jesus in faith and humility. The Catechism tells us that humility is the virtue by which a Christian acknowledges that God is the author of all good. She knew Who the author is and wanted that good for her daughter. She was humble enough to not take offense at the contempt with which she might very well be treated. And she had faith. She knew He could heal her beloved daughter. Of course, Jesus knew the content of her heart. Why did Jesus make the dog comparison? I think He wanted to give her the opportunity to embrace her humility and her faith. He even says that “for saying this” her daughter would be healed.

 

Ponder:


Do we pray knowing that the Great Physician looks on us with tenderness and a desire to heal? What can we do to increase our faith?

 

Pray:

Oh Lord, please give us the faith and persistence in prayer that this woman had. Help us to know that, despite our lowly places, You want to heal us.

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I wonder if she gasped a little internally when those words came out of her mouth. Did she think, “I can’t believe I said that!”? #dailygospel

Daily Gospel 2

 

Copyright 2022 Rosemary Bogdan

About the Author

Rosemary Bogdan

Rosemary Bogdan

Rosemary Bogdan is a wife, mother of six adult children, and a grandmother. She homeschooled her children when they were young and currently substitute teaches at her favorite Catholic school. When not spending time with her family, Rosemary writes at A Catholic Mother's Thoughts and Catholic365.com.