The Healing Journey

August 5, 2024

“Lord, help me!”
— Canaanite woman

We’ve all heard the Gospel story of the Canaanite woman who asked Jesus for a miracle because her daughter was tormented by a devil. Even though she was a pagan, she turned to Jesus in her desperation. She followed him on the road, pleading so loud the disciples became frustrated and urged him, “Give her what she wants because she keeps shouting after us.”To them, it may have been shouting, but in truth, it was prayer.

She was shouting, “Lord, Son of David, take pity on me!” But Jesus was silent and kept walking. Then, he told her, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the House of Israel.” But she wasn’t a Jew. She was a pagan. Nevertheless, she approached him and bowed low and begged, “Lord, help me!”

Such an impassioned and heartfelt appeal. But Jesus’ response was to rebuff her again and insult her by saying, “It is not fair to take the children’s food and throw it to little dogs.” She didn’t care that he called her a dog. She gave it right back at him: “Ah yes, Lord, but even little dogs eat the scraps that fall from their masters’ table.”

Then, Jesus did what he always intended to do. He cured her daughter and told her, “Woman, you have great faith. Let your desire be granted.”

In our grief, we should use the Canaanite woman’s prayer, “Lord, help me!” And we should use it often, especially when our situation is as desperate as hers and it seems we’ve been overlooked.

Let our faith be so strong that we’re persistent when God is silent. Always remember that God is beside us every step of the way on our Healing Journey … even when we think he’s ignoring us.

***