August 5, 2026
The Dedication of the Basilica of St. Mary Major
God’s Goodness
He said in reply, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.”
Matthew 15:24

In the district of Tyre and Sidon where Jesus had gone, a Canaanite woman kept pleading with him to heal her daughter who was tormented by a demon. Jesus considered the people of Israel to be like his children, to whom he would feed good food from a table. When the Canaanite woman begged Jesus for even those scraps that might fall from the table, he was moved by how great her faith was.

I have heard faith defined as “the gift to trust in the goodness of God.” When Jesus experienced her trust in God’s goodness, two great things happened. He healed her daughter from that hour. And her trust in God’s goodness showed that he had come, not just for the people of Israel but also for the Gentiles.

Jesus, help us deepen our trust in God’s goodness, despite our challenges.

- Patricia Livingston

Jeremiah 31:1-7 ✚ Jeremiah 31:10-13 ✚ Matthew 15:21-28
Silhouette of woman in a prayer position. Image by Tinnakorn | stock.adobe.com
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Comments

Cheryl
August 5, 2026 at 04:43 PM

Amen

Salina (not in control)
August 5, 2026 at 11:44 AM

This song sums up His goodness in His blessings…….Blessings by Laura Story https://youtu.be/XQan9L3yXjc?is=KE7CnsdR8dZkDXK8

Salina (not in control)
August 5, 2026 at 12:15 PM

Good Good Father by Chris Tomlin https://youtu.be/-ak0OoFBw3c?is=MAX8wFZ-DgiHPFhE

Salina (not in control)
August 5, 2026 at 12:04 PM

The Goodness of God by Bethel Music https://youtu.be/-f4MUUMWMV4?is=skr8J-s18EM3sBb3

Scott
August 5, 2026 at 11:00 AM

The goodness of God is recognized when people go out of their way to help/assist people. People are constantly asking me to pray, or when they have another need, I just stop and pay attention to them. I was walking out of the office building, and someone called my name. I have a standing appointment, and it takes me 20 minutes to get there. The person stopped me and said, "I need to make a phone call today. I said, "Sure that took another 5 minutes and I was 5 minutes late. I was giving thanks and praise that I...
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freeter
August 5, 2026 at 09:27 AM

Amen. :)

CBR
August 5, 2026 at 08:44 AM

Amen Amen Amen God is Great

Stormi
August 5, 2026 at 08:18 AM

Patricia I will repeated your words a great deal today to deepen my trust in God despite our challenges, thank you. I feel at the end of my rope but also feel that God is there is many small ways. Blessings to all the LFF, especially those with extra needs these days. Cheryl have a great time with your son! Holy Spirit fill the hearts of all to guide us to a heavenly earth.

Jimbomon52
August 5, 2026 at 08:55 AM

Stormi, when you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on! Remember, God’s got the other end of the rope!

ADV
August 5, 2026 at 08:11 AM

AMEN!

Gary
August 5, 2026 at 08:11 AM

Amen!

Patrick
August 5, 2026 at 02:11 AM

Thank you Patricia for an excellent commentary. ——— The first thing that strikes me is the woman’s initial contact with Jesus, “Have pity on me, Lord, Son of David! (Mt. 15:22) I believe this recognition of His lineage resonated strongly with Jesus. John 17: 3 “Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent”. ——— Her persistence inspires me to keep knocking on the Lord’s door. This is how great faith expresses itself and the Lord will eventually work powerfully through the opening which such faith creates. ——— Jesus tells...
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Scott
August 5, 2026 at 10:54 AM

Thank you and amen, Patrick for your share today. We all have the opportunity to recognize the goodness, healing, strengthening presence of the Holy One in our life's journey.

Stormi
August 5, 2026 at 08:19 AM

Amen!

Mike
August 5, 2026 at 08:08 AM

Amen

Silhouette of woman in a prayer position. Image by Tinnakorn | stock.adobe.com
Image of the day

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