Take on the Heart of Jesus
The Gospel story at today's Mass is a difficult one to hear at first. Jesus appears to be rude to the Canaanite woman who is pleading for her daughter's life. "Have pity on me, Lord, Son of David!" These are startling words coming from a Gentile. At first Jesus appears to be ignoring her. He doesn't answer or even look her way. The disciples want to send her away so annoyed are they at her behavior. Then Jesus himself seems to dismiss her as well: "I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel." But this woman is undaunted in her desire to get Jesus' attention. She believes with all her heart that he can help her and cure her daughter who is tormented by a demon. She continues to call out, unfazed by her dismissal. "Lord help me!" she cries out again. What determination and strength of character. She will not give up. She keeps calling out to the Lord in her misery. Once again, Jesus appears to refuse her plea: "It is no