Mathew 15: 21-28 | “A Faith That’s Strong… A Faith That’s Valiant… A Faith That Can Battle Life’s Odds”

Today’s Gospel brings us to a remarkable encounter — one that speaks deeply to our hearts and challenges our faith. We meet a woman from a foreign land — a Canaanite woman. She is an outsider, someone on the margins, yet she comes boldly to Jesus, pleading for her daughter’s healing. At first, it seems that Jesus ignores her. His words may even sound harsh. And yet, her faith — humble, persistent, and unshakable — breaks through every barrier, and her daughter is healed. This story is a powerful lesson about prayer, perseverance, humility, and God’s boundless mercy.

Matthew tells us that Jesus went beyond Galilee, beyond familiar territory, into the district of Tyre and Sidon — pagan, foreign land. This is not a casual detail. He steps beyond the boundaries of comfort, beyond the familiar walls of Israel. Just before this, He had taught that it is the heart that matters, not what is outside or ritualistic (Mt 15:1–20). Now He shows it in action: God’s mercy knows no boundaries.

“Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is tormented by a demon.” She is a foreigner, an outsider, yet she recognizes Him as the Messiah, the promised Son of David. Her prayer is simple, heartfelt, and born not of ritual or law, but of love — the love of a mother for her suffering child.

A Canaanite woman approaches Jesus, crying out: “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is tormented by a demon.” She does not know all the rules. She is not of the people of Israel. Yet, she recognizes the Messiah. Her prayer is simple, heartfelt, born of love — the love of a mother for her child. She does not let boundaries, rules, or human prejudice stand in her way. Love drives her forward, giving her courage to approach Jesus and plead for mercy.

As St. John Chrysostom reminds us, a mother’s prayer is powerful because love itself gives courage to approach God. Her cry reminds us that sincere Prayer does not need many words; it only needs love and trust.

Here the story takes an unexpected turn. Jesus remains silent. Sometimes, God’s silence feels heavy, even painful. But St. Teresa of Ávila reminds us that when God seems silent, it is not a refusal, but a call to deepen our faith. His silence is an invitation to persevere, to cling more closely to Him, and to trust in His timing.

Meanwhile, the disciples grow impatient: “Send her away! She keeps shouting after us.” They want peace and quiet, not to be disturbed by the cries of an outsider. How often do we feel the same? How often do we prefer comfort over the discomfort of others’ needs? How often do we grow weary in the face of suffering, instead of leaning into God’s call to compassion?

Here, we hear two very different cries or two voices:

The cry of the woman: – “Kyrie eleison” — Lord, have mercy! – Her voice is humble, persistent, and full of love.

The cry of the disciples: – “Apolyson” — send her away – Their words reveal their frustration, even disgust, seeking peace over compassion. They want the “unclean” woman removed from their presence.

The contrast is striking. The woman seeks mercy. The disciples seek comfort.

Then Jesus speaks: “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel… It is not right to take the food of the children and throw it to the dogs.”

To us, this may sound harsh. To us, these words may sound harsh, but to the Canaanite woman, being called a “dog” may not have been entirely surprising. It reflected the sharp historical distinction between the chosen Israelites and the Canaanites. The Jews were considered the “children,” and the Gentiles, like the Canaanites, were seen as “dogs.”

But notice the woman’s response — a glorious and faith-filled acknowledgement:

“Yes, I am a Canaanite, and considered to be a dog. I do acknowledge that Israelites have a special privilege in the order of God’s grace. But we too, deserve the Grace of God that is due to all people, in general!” I demand not the privileged bread that is reserved for the mighty. But just the crumbs of Your grace will suffice in healing my ailing daughter!” That was an amazing reply of persistent faith!

What a moment of humility, courage, and trust! She does not demand the “full bread” reserved for the privileged. She only asks for a crumb — enough for her daughter’s healing. Her faith is persistent and steadfast.

St. Augustine reflects on this, reminding us that even the smallest crumb of God’s grace is enough for salvation. God’s mercy is abundant, overflowing, and knows no boundaries. St. Catherine of Siena adds: “It is love that moves us to cry out, and it is love that makes us bold before God.” This woman’s love for her daughter, her trust in God, moves the heart of Jesus Himself.

In that moment, the woman of faith triumphs. Her trust and humility move the heart of the Lord Himself. Jesus marvels at her faith and responds with healing — showing that God’s mercy knows no boundaries and that true faith can break through every barrier.

Life is not easy. We face challenges, obstacles, moments that test us to the core. And yet, it is precisely in these moments that we are called to a stronger, deeper faith.

Yes, life can reward abundantly those who are willing to face barriers and persist in overcoming them. But sentimental faith and sugary words are not enough. We need to combine our sweet faith with a tough trust, our pious devotion with faithful dedication.

Sometimes, like the cries of the disciples, we hear discouraging voices or experience refraining chants. Sometimes, we encounter the agonizing silence of the Lord. Sometimes, we must endure humiliating challenges to our prayers or receive answers that disturb our expectations.

Yet, like the wonderful Canaanite mother, who refused to give up and was determined to break through every barrier for the sake of a miracle for her daughter, we are called to be courageous, firm, and bold in our faith and trust in the Lord.

Do we seek this kind of tremendous faith — A faith that does not give up when God seems silent. A faith that continues to cry out for mercy, even in the face of discouragement. A faith that humbly accepts God’s timing and His ways. This kind of faith moves mountains.

Fr James Abraham