Today, Jesus meets a Syrophoenecian woman who possesses amazing nerve, gumption and spunk. Her determination is fueled by her great love for her ailing daughter. It was a love that drove her to seek Jesus and to find him even though he was flying under the radar. She begs him—on her knees—to cure her daughter. When Jesus seems to deny her request and even to refer to her people as “dogs” (v. 27), she is not deterred. Instead, she takes his allusion and turns it into a tender image Jesus cannot resist. He cures her daughter on the spot.
Does love fuel my daily seeking for Jesus? Does my dialogue with him reflect my deep concern for others? Is my faith in Jesus weak and wobbly, or is it strong and spunky?
- Sr. Melannie Svoboda, S.N.D.
"The Lord is loving unto man, and swift to pardon, but slow to punish. Let no man therefore despair of his own salvation." St. Cyril of Jerusalem
AMEN!
After reading the February 13th reading by Sr Melannie Svoboda, I was trouble by her reference to Jesus denying her request to cure her daughter even referring to her people as "dogs". After reading the scripture in the Bible I was relieved to know that Jesus didn't say that at all. That was not a necessary entry to be included in today's readings because it misinterpreted what the Bible has written. Blessed, Christine Willis-B.
Which part of the Scriptural Bible that Jesus didn’t actually say?*** Mark 7:27, “He (Jesus) said to her, "Let the children be fed first. For it is not right to take the food of the children and throw it to the dogs."” *** It is also written in Matthew 15:26, “And He (Jesus) answered, “It is not right to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs.” *** We can’t take God’s Word out of context to fit our purpose and we can’t take part of God’s Word out because we don’t like (understand) it!!! *** Ask the Holy Spirit to explain why God sent His only Son to die for our sins when He can just forgive our sins without sacrificing His Son, Jesus ✝️ He is the only innocent person ever! ******* The Bible is just an ordinary book (you can pick and choose whatever and however you want) on your own understanding without the guidance and power of the Holy Spirit. The Bible is God’s Word with the guidance and power of the Holy Spirit! John 14:26 (Jesus said), “But the Father will send the Friend in My Name to help you. The Friend is the Holy Spirit. He will teach you all things. He will remind you of everything I have said to you!” *** So why did Jesus addressed this woman and her people, ‘dogs?’ Holy Spirit, come and help us understand…and while we are at it…why did Jesus addressed His mother, ‘woman,’ at the wedding?
EN, will add Jason to my prayer list. Whatever he will experience through this trial may it lead him closer to God, may the scales from his eyes be removed as well as all the cancer. Prayers for our health care around the world as technology and fees increase….if only, like our schools, we could go back to our hospitals being cared for and run by the nuns. Praying Jason and those facing medical need will get only the best of care…and the glory of it be credited to God.
Amen!
FOLLOW THE MONEY *** If I want to know where my faith is, look at my checkbook! True for individuals, also true for families, cities, states and federal…follow the money!!!
Example of follow the money in my state - Tennessee to provide 130 per cent property tax refund to people who lost their home in Helene ✝️
Keeping my son miguelito miguel and wilfredo and daughter Priscilla and ex wife sonia in my spiritual prayers My prayer "Lord Jesus, your love and mercy knows no bounds. May I trust you always and never doubt your loving care and mercy. Increase my faith in your saving help and deliver me from all evil and harm." Amen
Amen. :)
That’s what ‘faith’ is, isn’t it? Read the whole chapter of ‘Hall of Faith’ in Hebrews 11 ✝️ *** What is Faith? Hebrews 11:1, “Faith is being sure of what we hope for. It is being sure of what we do not see!” *** My faith is based on what I believe! Hebrews 11:6, “Without faith it is impossible to please God. Those who come to God must believe that He exists. And they must believe that He rewards those who look to Him.” *** Having faith doesn’t mean I will receive everything I asked or prayed for in this life! Hebrews 11:13, “All these people were still living by faith when they died. They didn’t receive the things God had promised. They only saw them and welcomed them from a long way off. They openly said that they were outsiders and strangers on earth!” ******* You see, I will receive much more than what I asked or prayed for in Hebrews 11:39-40, “All these people were praised because they had faith. But none of them received what God had promised. That’s because God had planned something better for us. So they would only be made perfect together with us!”
This is for you, EN ✝️Know You Will by United https://youtu.be/Ib3L4NhLrlA?si=r9HeiyjWMm_p5zvZ
This is so true. I should have asked for prayers for Jason a long time ago. After a very dear friend of his who was only in his 30s died in his sleep of a heart issue, Jason's faith suffered. He claims not to believe at all. I pray that the medical struggles he is having now will bring him back to his faith. I know God is with him, I see the Love. I pray Jason will see and feel his love, peace, mercy and healing.
*** Spiritual healing first and foremost in Matthew 9:5, “(Jesus asked) Is it easier to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven’? Or to say, ‘Get up and walk?’” ✝️ *** God is going to give me more than I asked or prayed for in Ephesians 3:20, “God is able to do far more than we could ever ask for or imagine. He does everything by His power that is working in us!” ✝️ *** Therefore praise Him at all times when He does not give us what we deserve (eternal death) - mercy, but give us what we don’t deserve (eternal life) - grace, in Ephesians 3:21, “Give Him glory in the church and in Christ Jesus. Give Him glory through all time and for ever and ever, Amen!” ✝️ ******* Pray for conversion first and transformation next! Conversion is one point in time, transformation is a life time! I am not a sinner because I sin, I sin because I am a sinner!!! Spiritual healing before any physical healing because physical healing is only temporary and spiritual healing is forever !!!
The woman was tested. However, she kept her eyes on the prize. She focused on her daughter's healing. It reminds me of the parable of the unjust judge. Keep asking.
Amen.... thank you Sr. Melannie.... sometimes I do falter of our Lord's Almighty Power
“to express my needs and concerns with courage” Amen
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Lord please hear our prayers and bring your light to all those in need. Come to the side of those experiencing violence in Haiti, the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia, Darfur, and the Sudan. Please hear the pleas of all those suffering around the world - and give them strength, courage and resilience to continue walking in faith. Send them your light. Father in Heaven, have mercy on us and on the whole world! You sent Your Son, the Prince of Peace, for the salvation of the world. We pray that the Peace of Christ will reign in Haiti, the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia, Darfur and Sudan. Please protect and send aid to those in need and all who are at-risk. We pray for peace and rebuilding– we who are working towards it and for all those who are suffering or in danger from conflicts. We pray for an end to violence and war – we pray for wisdom for all leaders who have a hand in this. Lord God please help those in most need of thy mercy. Amen.