August 16, 2026
20th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Persistence
O woman great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.
Matthew 15:28

There are at least thirty-five miracles worked by Jesus in the Gospels. No doubt, many more are not mentioned, for elsewhere it says: “Jesus did many other signs…not written in this book” (John 20:30). Many miracles were cures requested by people. This account of the Canaanite woman is unique because she faced overwhelming odds against obtaining a blessing for her daughter. This woman was a foreign, non-Jewish person. She had contacted Jesus and the apostles during their vacation. The apostles advised Jesus to ignore her. Jesus told her he only ministered to the Jewish nation. He then offered an unusual harsh comment about food for dogs. With a mother’s heart, she continued to plead for her daughter. Respectfully, she bantered back with deep faith in Jesus and by her personal persistence. Jesus was impressed and fulfilled her request. 

When you need courage to persevere in prayer and trust, keep in mind the story of the Canaanite Woman.

- Fr. James McKarns

Isaiah 56:1, 6-7 ✚ Psalm 67:2-3, 5-6, 8 ✚ Romans 11:13-15, 29-32 ✚ Matthew 15:21-28
Woman feeling free in a beautiful natural setting. Image by tutye | stock.adobe.com
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Comments

freeter
August 16, 2026 at 12:34 PM

Amen.

Salina (not in control)
August 16, 2026 at 12:02 PM

When I read God’s Word, here are the questions I ask: What does it say about God? What does it say about me? What does it say about others? *** God is faithful, wise, knowledgeable and sovereign in Romans 11:29, 33-34, “God does not take back His gifts. He does not change His mind about those He has chosen (the Jews)...How very rich are God’s wisdom and knowledge! How He judges is more than we can understand! The way He deals with people is more than we can know! “Who can ever know what the Lord is thinking? Or who...
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Vicky G
August 16, 2026 at 10:01 AM

Thank you Fr. McKarns

Patrick
August 16, 2026 at 09:26 AM

Humble, patient and persistent. Amen

Mike
August 16, 2026 at 10:51 AM

Amen

Debbie H
August 16, 2026 at 09:24 AM

Amen.

CBR
August 16, 2026 at 09:15 AM

Lord give me the belief that even the Canaanite women had please help me in my quest to be a good Christian in Jesus name I put Amen AMEN Amen

Robert
August 16, 2026 at 09:10 AM

Lord Jesus, keep me strong and faithful....forever trusting in You !

Gary
August 16, 2026 at 08:30 AM

"Give me the courage to be persistent In prayer and trust." Amen!

Cheryl
August 16, 2026 at 07:37 AM

Amen Amen

Woman feeling free in a beautiful natural setting. Image by tutye | stock.adobe.com
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