The Gospel for the Second Sunday in Lent is the striking story of the Canaanite woman from Matthew 15: 21-28. In this encounter, a Gentile from a despised pagan background seeks healing for her daughter. After testing both the woman and His disciples by a delay, Jesus recognizes the woman's faith and heals the daughter.
Besides highlighting the importance of faith in Christ, this event points us toward two virtues that complement faith. The woman is both humble and persistent. She does not claim great things for herself; she simply appeals to Christ's grace and mercy. And she does not give up despite Jesus' hesitation or the disciples' opposition. Her humble and persistent faith allows Christ to work in an unexpected way among unexpected people. Such is the good news at the end of the story.
The dynamics of this story apply to us. Our faith in Christ also needs to be humble and persistent, and Lent should be a special reminder of these characteristics. We are all sinners who have no right to demand things from God or to set a timetable for His responses. We are all lowly petitioners seeking divine favor. So let us trust that He is merciful even to the least worthy, and let us continue to seek His blessings!
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