Matthew 15: 21-28
At that time Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon. And behold, a Canaanite woman of that district came and called out, "Have pity on me, Lord, Son of David! My daughter is tormented by a demon." But he did not say a word in answer to her. His disciples came and asked him, "Send her away, for she keeps calling out after us." He said in reply, "I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel." But the woman came and did him homage, saying, "Lord, help me." He said in reply, "It is not right to take the food of the children and throw it to the dogs." She said, "Please, Lord, for even the dogs eat the scraps that fall from the table of their masters." Then Jesus said to her in reply, "O woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish." And her daughter was healed from that hour.
Dawg's Thought:
Today's prayer intention - for John, Katie and their baby, for safety and provision during this time of their pregnancy.
Sometimes, the children feel entitled. I should know.
You would think that I would know about the importance of prayer. Yet, at times, I feel like more of a "lost sheep" who has lost his way. Far from the woman in today's reading.
It's easy to grow complacent, and even entitled. I remember once thinking that just because I was tithing, all my finances would be taken care of. The provision came in being reminded that I needed to be a good steward of what I was given. Just because I am tithing, it doesn't give me license to have a sense of entitlement.
Instead, it should be the opposite: it should remind us that everything that we have is from God. Our prayers should remind us that we trust in God's will, regardless of the outcome. Our acts of charity should remind us of the charity that is shown to God's children, from the woman in today's reading to all of us.
Just because we are "Christians", it doesn't excuse us from praying and trusting in a God Who came for the lost ... you and me. Take care and God Bless.
|
