Beyond Zoom A work in progress Previous Day Next Day
Scripture: Matthew 15:21-28: Jesus left that place and went away to the district of Tyre and Sidon. Just then a Canaanite woman from that region came out and started shouting, “Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David; my daughter is tormented by a demon.” But he did not answer her at all. And his disciples came and urged him, saying, “Send her away, for she keeps shouting after us.” He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” But she came and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, help me.” He answered, “It is not fair to take the children’s food and throw it to the dogs.” She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.” Then Jesus answered her, “Woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.” And her daughter was healed instantly. Abridged: God sometimes turns away from our initial request for help to encourage us to dig deeper into our hearts to discover what we truly need. Meditation: It is a paradox that the moments when we struggle the most in our spiritual journey, or the darkest nights of the soul when our faith is in doubt and God seems far away, are precisely when we most need to be thankful for God's love. Times like these are like when the woman went to Jesus while he was eating with friends to ask for healing for her daughter, but Jesus first told her to leave him alone. When she persists, however, her daughter receives the healing her mother had sought. There may be times in our faith journey when we need to follow the example of this mother as she strengthened her faithful resolve. God may seem to turn away from our initial request, encouraging us to dig deeper into our hearts and examine the divine light within us. There will be times when we will need to confront the immense darkness that exists in the world, and times when the Light of God within and around us appears to be very dim. When we persist, however, and call on the power of the Holy Spirit to guide us, God will increase our perception of the light of Christ within us, providing the healing and abundant love we need. Prayer: Holy God, empower our voice with your love and peace. Do not let us be fooled and tempted by the false call of anger, revenge, and self-interest. Always guide us toward the power and light of your love. Amen Enter password: .