Reflections on Scripture | Wednesday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time

Join Msgr. Don Fischer as he reads and delivers a short reflection on today’s gospel, followed by 3 1/2 minutes of contemplative music and a closing prayer. Msgr. Don hopes that today’s reflection on the gospel will empower you to carry the Word in your heart throughout the day.

Choose either the video or audio below.

Gospel
Matthew 15: 21-28

At that time Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon.
And behold, a Canaanite woman of that district came and called out,
"Have pity on me, Lord, Son of David!
My daughter is tormented by a demon."
But he did not say a word in answer to her.
His disciples came and asked him,
"Send her away, for she keeps calling out after us."
He said in reply,
"I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel."
But the woman came and did him homage, saying, "Lord, help me."
He said in reply,
"It is not right to take the food of the children
and throw it to the dogs."
She said, "Please, Lord, for even the dogs eat the scraps
that fall from the table of their masters."
Then Jesus said to her in reply,
"O woman, great is your faith!
Let it be done for you as you wish."
And her daughter was healed from that hour.

Reflection

We see a very human side of Jesus. He was tired. He was preoccupied.

And a woman asked that He perform a miracle. And He wishes that she would go away. And yet she says something to Him that just so pierces His heart, because He was so disappointed in the ability of His disciples to believe who He was and what He could accomplish. And she knew right away He can do anything.

And He will want to do it for me if I ask Him And Jesus melts and says, Oh, woman, you have what I want people to have. You have faith and trust in me.

Closing Prayer

Father, we so often rely upon our own strength, our own wisdom, our own ability to do things. We forget to turn to you and invite you into us to be the source of life. Help us to believe in your presence within us. It is everything. And we ask this in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Kyle Cross