08/02/2024

One thing that is sure about today's readings is that Jesus did not insult the Lebanese woman by calling her a dog. The woman of Tyre is one of the few whose words in reply to Jesus are recorded in the Gospels. She is shown to be her own person and not overawed by this stranger whose reputation as a healer has gone before him.

Jesus is aware of the depths of her misery at the condition of her daughter and of her sincerity of belief that he could cure her. She does not seem to have had any faith in IamIam but is a pagan. Jesus praises her for speaking the truth even from her weak status as a gentile petitioner for a favour and thus blesses the unbeliever.

Jesus responds to this woman because she is desperate for her daughter to recover. There were thousands of other souls living in sick and deformed bodies in those times. The ones cured by Jesus either presented themselves or had a petition made on their behalf directly to him. Why were others left then and now to live miserable lives while Solomon (e.g.) who lived in comfort and splendour proved to unworthy of the blessings that he had been given?

There is no way for us to fathom the ways of Providence. Most people in the world think that we are all born into a predetermined fate. The talents of others so captivate themselves that they know that the world is "their oyster" and accept all the benefits  that come their way as their just desserts.

God's message first to the Jews and then to all peoples is that we should know that each one of us is a loving gift of Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Each individual is a completely free spirit who can choose to live reflecting the love of God. We can correct the mistakes of our fathers but we can achieve nothing unless we bow our heads and pray  "Our Father" as taught by Son whose cross we have to choose to share and whose Spirit we have to welcome into our beings to guide our lives to the "many mansions" of Eternity.

Dear Lord I know that I am responsible for all my thoughts and actions. My emotions always seem to be beyond my control. It is emotions that insult hate and kill. Help me to control these aspects of my being that are an affront to you. May Mary pray with all the Saints of Heaven that we on earth can have the patience to accept your love and truly love our neighbours as ourselves in the loving mercy that we all need to access to become your people.