Shedding a Little Light
“But the woman came and did Jesus homage, saying, "Lord, help me." He said in reply, ‘It is not right to take the food of the children and throw it to the dogs.’ She said, ‘Please, Lord, for even the dogs eat the scraps that fall from the table of their masters.’ Then Jesus said to her in reply, ‘O woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.’ And the woman's daughter was healed from that hour.” Matthew 15: 25-28
Last week I spoke about speaking less and being quieter. I asked us to listen more and ponder what we hear. The best part of listening is that it can lead us to have more fruitful conversations when we do decide to speak. The woman in the Gospel today asks Jesus for something. At first Jesus does not even respond and then He responds in a way that does not seem much like Jesus to us. He indicates that He is not inclined to help her. However, the woman listens to His response and because she was listening carefully, she hears the challenge that He makes to her faith, and it leads her into conversation with Jesus, a conversation that leads to Jesus approving her request because of her great faith! It is also good to notice that before her request, before their conversation and before the granting of her request, she began by paying Jesus homage. She gives Jesus public respect and honor and praise.
So too it should be with us. We should begin our prayers with praise, honor, and respect for our God. In gratitude, we should always begin with a thankful heart and then make our requests, while patiently and carefully listening to the answer. Listen to what the Lord may be asking of you as well. Is He challenging you or your faith? How will you respond? Is the Lord saying no or not now? Take notice of your response to that. Are you responding to the Lord with expectant gratitude? Or impatience? When you do pray, are you leaving quiet space in your conversation for the Lord to speak? Are you available for the Lord to speak and for you to listen? Do not just chatter at God or demand favors. Pause. Listen. Respond. Be grateful. And …
Keep Living in the Light!