Thursday 12th of February
“The astuteness of the Syro-Phoenician woman.”
Mark 7:24-30
The Syrophoenician woman is an example of tremendous faith. She defied social norms to approach Jesus and ask for his help, for it would have been shameful for her, a woman and a foreigner, to approach Jesus, a Jewish man. On first reading, Jesus’ response may seem harsh, but underneath is a message of who he is – the Jewish messiah, but after this, saviour for all. Her faith, persistence and understanding moved Jesus, and as a result, he answered her plea for her daughter to be healed.
Where do we see ourselves in this reading? As the woman at Jesus’ feet? As Jesus, initially resisting to give what is asked of us? As an onlooker? Are we persistent and full of faith, or do we give up too easily?
Today, let us be inspired by this woman’s example, and pray for the grace to live our life with this kind of faith.