In today’s Gospel reading, the Greek woman who seeks relief for her possessed daughter perseveres in her pursuit of Jesus and remains steadfast, despite the apparent “scolding” she receives from Him. Jesus knows her heart and allows her to persist, perhaps for our benefit in seeing what faith in Him should resemble. As a Gentile, the woman has no “claim” to seek Him, yet she will not be deterred. Maybe the fact that she is concerned for her daughter’s needs rather than her own is part of what moves Jesus to grant her request. Her selfless love and steadfast faith should inspire us to draw closer to Jesus and expect that He will always answer our prayers for what is good for us and our loved ones.

God’s love and mercy for His chosen king is steadfast and constant, yet Solomon allows the complexities of his life to hinder his faith journey and distance himself from God. In contrast, the Gentile woman who perceives no inheritance or favor with God believes that Jesus can heal her daughter, and she pursues Him relentlessly until He answers her “prayer.”  Both examples can serve to remind us to claim our inheritance as beloved sons and daughters and live our recovery lives with renewed faith and perseverance.

Reflection Questions

• How do you attempt to live out the reality of your inheritance as a beloved son or daughter of God?
• How has your faith in and reliance on Jesus changed since you began your life of recovery?

Daily Mass Readings

First Reading: 1 Kings 11:4-13
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 106:3-4, 35-36, 37 and 40
Gospel: Mark 7:24-30 

Reflection by Mark L.