The Faith of the Canaanite Woman

Gospel Mt 15:21-28

Jesus left that place and withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon. He entered a house and did not want anyone to know it; yet he could not keep his presence secret. In fact, as soon as she heard about him, a woman whose little daughter was possessed by an impure spirit came and fell at his feet. The woman was a Greek, born in Syrian Phoenicia. She begged Jesus to drive the demon out of her daughter. He told her:

--"First let the children eat all they want. It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs."

She replied:

--"Lord, even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs."

Then Jesus said to her:

--"For such a reply, you may go; the demon has left your daughter."

She went home and found her child lying on the bed, and the demon gone.

QUESTIONS AND POINTS FOR REFLECTION

1.- Persistence in Prayer: The Canaanite woman does not give up despite Jesus' initial silence and seemingly harsh responses. In your personal life, when you ask God for something and do not receive an immediate answer, do you get discouraged and quit, or do you trust and insist like this mother?

2.- Faith in the Face of Difficulty: Jesus seems to test the woman to make her faith grow. Sometimes, on the path to Confirmation, doubts or obstacles may appear. Do you believe that life's difficulties are barriers that distance us from God, or opportunities to prove that our faith is real and strong?

3.- Humility and Confidence: The woman accepts Jesus' words with great humility ("even the dogs eat the crumbs"). To receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit, a humble heart is needed. What does being humble before God mean to you? Is it recognizing that everything good we have is His gift?

4.- A Faith Without Borders: This woman was a foreigner (gentile), and yet Jesus praises her faith, saying: "Woman, you have great faith!" Confirmation sends you to be a witness in a diverse world. Are you willing to see God's presence in people who think differently than you or who do not go to Church?

5.- Love that Intercedes: The Canaanite woman asks for nothing for herself, but for her daughter. Faith should lead us to love and help others. Starting from your confirmation, how can you use your prayer and actions to "help heal" or comfort the people in your environment who suffer?