Pastors Notes from August 20, 2023
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August 22, 2023“Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan 'Press On!' has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race.” (Calvin Coolidge, 30th president of the U.S., 1923-1929)
In today’s gospel passage the mother called Jesus, “Son of David,” a title of respect not of faith. As she understood approaching the disciples, followers, and Jesus himself, she was looked down upon by the Jews. as a Canaanite. With a natural instinct to protect her child, she persisted despite the odds, the less than welcoming spirit of the crowds gathered around Jesus, and his nonchalant reply to her. With her persistence, Jesus relented, “Oh woman, great is your faith. Let it be done for you as you wish.”
Her faith and persistence can offer us four simple lessons. First, she had to set aside her personal pride. Faced with the reluctance of those she confronted, their lack of respect toward her, she had no other choice but to set aside her personal pride. She knelt before Jesus and asked again. Humility completely replaced pride. Which begs the question, how’s your pride? Secondly, people don’t always understand what you’re going through. Whatever the commotion at that moment and the activities the disciples were involved with, they couldn’t understand or take the time to truly listen to the mother’s burdens. Can we trust that God hears and recognizes our burdens, though we they may not be lifted.
Third, God meets you where you are in your faith journey and enables you to grow. She initially approached Jesus as one who has power to help, not as a miracle working God. Intuitively her faith grew in the next few moments as she persisted, seeking Jesus’ intercession for her daughter. Her faith in Jesus is the presence of God, and the one who empowers others. She was not at the same place in her faith by the end of the encounter. Is your faith growing as you walk the path of interacting with God? God sometimes tests our faith, for the better.
Lastly, as God sometimes tests our courage and faith—awakening our strength of faith— he will hear and answer our persistent prayers. As Jesus pushed the mother to dig deep within her soul, he empowered her faith that had been dormant for some time.
She recognized Jesus’ tone of voice and facial expression; of a sincere belief in her character and her hope. Humbled but not ashamed in front of the gathering crowd who dismissed her, she knew exactly what Jesus was trying to accomplish. With faith, setting aside her personal pride, she did not allow the attitude of the disciples and those following Jesus to disparage her hope in any way. (The Faith Space)
Reaching out to our God who meets us where we are in our faith journey, we humbly ask for the grace of persistence:
when struggling with physical health;
when responsibilities and duties seem overwhelming;
when facing prejudice, misunderstanding, slander;
when encountering negativity in the news;
when facing the loss of a loved one;
when facing the pain of a broken relationship; when encountering moments of loneliness; when facing financial difficulties;
when your prayer life seems empty, unfulfilled; when faith in God’s presence is ebbing;
when questioning your purpose and place here on earth
Faithful God, life can be hard sometimes. It can present me with challenges and obstacles that are difficult to overcome. Yet, I trust in your goodness and have confidence in your presence in my life. Fill my heart with courage that I might meet the challenges of life with faith and hope, persevering in goodness and in the conviction that you will never abandon me. I make this prayer through Christ our Lord. Amen.
God Bless, Fr. Tim
FYI: “My mother said I must always be intolerant of ignorance but understanding of illiteracy. That some people, unable to go to school, were more educated and more intelligent than college professors.” (Maya Angelo, American poet)
