Fr. Marcel Divine’s Bulletin Message for the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A
St. Gerard Majella Parish
Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA
Dearest beloved, today we read a touching and inspiring story of the power and the effectiveness of faith and persistence. It is the story of an unnamed Canaanite woman who refused to give up on Jesus. Today’s gospel taken from Matthew 15: 21-28 says that Jesus had gone to Gentile cities of Tyre and Sidon Tyre and Sidon
But even in foreign Gentile lands, Jesus could not escape the common plea and demand of human need. A woman in distress approaches him and cries out for help: Have pity on me, Lord, Son of David! My daughter is tormented by a demon.” Jesus strangely is silent and does not answer her right away. Looking at her, the disciples of Jesus discovered she is not Jewish, so they asked Jesus to send her away. But instead of giving up, the woman persists in pleading and crying, Lord, (please) help me. Eventually, her persistence and expectant faith got her the attention of Jesus. Responding to her, the Lord said, O woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.
If you are asking God to help you solve a problem, but all you are getting is silence, keep praying for the desire of your heart. God’s silence may be a test of your faith. Keep praying. Do not stop. Like the Canaanite woman, continue to follow the Lord; continue to call him and make your request. God’s silence is not necessarily a refusal of God to heed. Keep on praying. Ephesians 6:18 says Keep on praying. Apply PUSH! PUSH stands for Pray Until Something Happens. God’s silence is not a refusal of God to answer our prayers. God’s silence may be a test of our faith. But persistence in prayer can break God’s silence. May God grant you the good desires of your heart!
May the Mother of Perpetual Help pray for us!
Your Pastor,
Fr. Marcel Divine
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