Daily Gospel Reflection for August 9, 2023

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

Knowing we are the metaphorical dog in this parable can make it seem a bit insulting. But having become a dog owner for the first time over the past year, I can attest to how a dog can be loved, despite its station.

Many a night, I'll have spent substantial time and money preparing a healthy, homemade meal for my family. Our dog will often lie beneath our patio table, sprawled across our feet as we eat. Yet by the end of the meal, her irresistibility and persistence result in scraps being dropped into her salivating mouth.

While we likewise remain unworthy of God's graces and mercy, He makes them available to us. Why? Because He loves us. We are irresistible to Him.

Yet even in our need, we can easily dismiss the need for prayer. God knows our needs. He knows the outcome of every situation. Why should we go to Him?

Because as my family recognizes the presence and the persistence of our hungry dog, God recognizes our presence and persistence as well. While we, like the woman in the Gospel, are unworthy, if we present our needs to God with faith and acceptance of His will, He too will say to us:

"O woman, great is your faith!
Let it be done for you as you wish."

Ponder:

Are you reluctant to go to God with your needs or the desires of your heart? Why or why not?

Pray:

Jesus, increase my faith that I may never shy from going to You with my needs and desires. Make me like the woman in today's Gospel whose persistence helps bring healing to her daughter.

Click to tweet:
While we remain unworthy of God's graces and mercy, He makes them available to us. Why? Because He loves us. We are irresistible to Him. #DailyGospel

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