The faith of the canaanite woman
By Betty Young
Molly, our dachshund mix, stations herself under the baby’s highchair every mealtime—the better to catch the crumbs that fall from the baby’s tray. Dogs have no pride. Molly is satisfied to catch the food scraps that fall to the floor—grateful for even the crumbs, no matter how small. Our grandson eats at the table until he is satisfied. Molly, however, is satisfied with the crumbs that fall under the table.
As I watched Molly eagerly lap up the crumbs, I was reminded of this story in Matthew.
Leaving that place, Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon. A Canaanite woman from that vicinity came to him, crying out, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is suffering terribly from demon-possession.”
Jesus did not answer a word. So, his disciples came to him and urged him, “Send her away, for she keeps crying out after us.”
He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel.” Read more →