Readings: Jeremiah 31:1-7, Jeremiah 31:10-12,13, Matthew 15:21-28

“Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.” Then Jesus answered her, “Woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.” (Matthew 15:27-28)

Consider what God says in today’s first reading: “I have loved you with an everlasting love. Therefore, I have continued my faithfulness to you.” This statement was addressed to the nation of Israel at a time of their unfaithfulness. It assures God’s love for them despite their past sins. It also indicates that God’s love remained constant even when He dealt harshly with them. God hates our sins but never stops loving us as His children. We serve a God willing to leave the ninety-nine in search of the one. If God loves us so much, why does He allow suffering? 

– First, never interpret suffering as punishment from God. Jesus was sinless, yet He had to suffer the pain and agony of the cross. Suffering, like medicine, may be painful or bitter to swallow, but if God allows it, it is because He wants to use it to bring about something good.

– Secondly, suffering is a very good teacher. In practical terms, suffering helps us accept the harsh consequences of our sinful choices. God allows us to suffer the consequences of our sins to make us realise the futility of disobeying His commands. Suffering helps us know that the devil is not our friend; he promises heaven and earth but leaves us in abject pain. 

– Thirdly, suffering also teaches us compassion; when you suffer from something, you can sympathise with someone suffering from the same thing properly. Suffering also teaches us humility. If you have never suffered (if you have never begged for someone’s help), it is easy to feel that you are better than everyone else or don’t need others. 

– Suffering is painful, but like a fire, it can burn off impurities from our character, such as laziness, dependency, blaming others, etc. When you suffer ridicule, for instance, when people refuse to help or keep telling you “No,” a fire lights up inside you. You become determined to prove them wrong; you push yourself so hard that you go the extra mile to get what you want.

– In today’s Gospel passage, we encounter a Canaanite woman who wants Jesus to heal her daughter. At first, Jesus completely ignores her, but in humility, she cries louder until she gets His attention. Jesus explains that at that moment, His mission is to the lost sheep of the house of Israel, but this does not deter her. She knelt before Jesus, saying, “Lord, help me.” This ought to be our attitude when we pray.

– Jesus, still unwilling to help her, spoke a parable: “It is not fair to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.” She understood the meaning of this parable, but once again, in humility, she responded: “Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.” Jesus was impressed with her faith (her unwillingness to give up) and her deep-seated humility. Jesus worked this miracle for her to teach us the need to be persistent with our prayers and to apply humility in our relations with others. 

– Why did this woman refuse to give up? What made her pass Jesus’ test? This is a woman who has suffered in the past. She knew that pride wouldn’t get you anything. Learn to be humble. Don’t interpret everything as an insult; you never can tell if the so-called insult is just a test. Maturity begins when you start seeing insult as education. No matter how highly placed you think we are, there will always be someone with something you lack. Never look down on anyone. If suffering doesn’t teach you humility, nothing else can. 

Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, your love for us is everlasting. Help us always to see the positive side of whatever happens to us. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.