Wednesday: 18^th Week in Ordinary Time-A

I Reading: Jeremiah 31:1-7: I have loved you with an everlasting love.

Gospel: Matthew 15:21-28: Woman, you have great faith.

The Messiah Teaches What It Takes to Receive Things of God

In this passage we see the persistent faith with humility of a woman and mercy of Jesus.

1. Jesus withdrew to Gentile religions (v.21-22)

a. The border of Tyre and Sidon

b. A desperate woman approached Jesus

2. A cry of need (v.22)

a. She cried for mercy

b. She cried to the Son of David

c. She cried for another –for her daughter

3. A persistence that would not quit (v.23-24)

a. Despite Jesus’ silence

b. Despite the objection of the disciples

c. Despite being undeserving

4. A spirit that worshipped Jesus as Lord (v.25)

5. A spirit of humility and surrender (v.26-27)

a. The need to learn humility

b. The confession of humility: she accepted Jesus’ verdict of her

6. A great faith (v.28)

a. Jesus’ climactic commendation: “you have great faith”

b. Jesus’ climactic reward: granted her request

Thought: There are only two individuals whose faith Jesus pronounced to be great: this woman’s and the centurion. It is worth noting that both are Gentiles (Mt 8:10). We need the way of desperate seeking to Jesus’ help.

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