When You Want to Shout at Jesus
Have you ever shouted at Jesus? If you have, it was probably in the secret of your room, quietly in your heart, or in your car with the windows rolled up. More than likely none of us would want to be found running down the road screaming at Jesus, even if we were just trying to get his attention.
The Greek word for “calling out” used in v. 22 and 23 is slightly different, but indicates that the woman was emotionally screaming, continuously wailing, creating a clamorous spectacle of herself. And the disciples were not happy. Let’s get rid of her! She is attracting the wrong type of attention!
Some friends of mine found themselves in tears one Sunday after Mass, asking for their pastor’s prayers before a very important immigration meeting. I have also been reduced to quiet tears at times as an expression of my inner wailing, tears that are the beginning, the first steps, the sure indication of faith.
The Canaanite mother cries out: “Have pity on me, Lord, Son of David! My daughter is tormented by a demon.” The very fact that she calls Jesus the Son of David indicates her firm hope and faith in him as Messiah. Later, as she kneels before Jesus in conversation with him, she shows a simple, humble trust that even a scrap of Jesus’ mercy would be sufficient to heal her daughter. The “scrap” reminds me of the mustard seed, or the smallest faith that could move a mountain. This woman’s inner strength, rooted in maternal love and faith, overcomes every obstacle and obtains what she needs: her daughter’s healing.
Jesus doesn’t refer to her persistent pleas and loud gestures of need when He heals her daughter. He refers only to her faith. “O woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.” He does what her faith requests and to the extent that her faith believes what He will do. A succinct, well-known line attributed to St. John of the Cross sums up this truth: “God gives in the measure that we expect of him.”
Three maxims from Teresa of Avila help put this into context: “You pay God a compliment by asking great things of him.” Sometimes we ask too little. “To reach something great, you must go to great lengths.” To become wholly conformed to God’s love in every situation of our lives will require energy, interior work, some tears, perseverant waiting in humble faith, and perhaps some suffering. And, in the end, “The soul is satisfied with nothing less than God.”
What will you ask God for today?
— Sr. Kathryn James Hermes
Reflection provided by diocesan.com. Reprinted with permission.