Perseverance

A Reflection on the Gospel for Sunday, August 20th, 2023:
​Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

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Matthew
15.21-28​

Jesus went away to the district of Tyre and Sidon. A Canaanite woman from that region came out, and started shouting, “Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David; my daughter is tormented by a demon.” But he did not answer her at all.

And his disciples came and urged him, saying, “Send her away, for she keeps shouting after us.” He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.”

But the woman came and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, help me.” He answered, “It is not fair to take the children’s food and throw it to the dogs.” She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.”

Then Jesus answered her, “Woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.” And her daughter was healed instantly.

Pause. Pray. Reflect.

In this week’s Gospel reading, the Canaanite woman was facing an insurmountable difficulty – her daughter was possessed by a demon. I suspect there would have been fear and shame in this admittance. I can only imagine the things she may have tried – prayer, ceremonies by religious leaders, maybe burning herbs or immersing her daughter in water. Despite the lack of success, she didn’t give up. She persevered. She brought her daughter to Jesus and started shouting “Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David.” Jesus did not answer her – yet she persisted, kneeling before Him in total humility, saying three simple words: “Lord, help me.” Jesus swiftly cast the demon out – “and her daughter was healed instantly.”  

My word of the year is “perseverance.” When I look up the definition of perseverance in the dictionary, it says “persistence in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success.” This certainly applies to the Canaanite woman. For me, in this season, perseverance means to continue to allow the Lord to work in me, to bring past traumas into the light and to allow Him to heal the wounds brought about by these traumas. I can honestly say that it has been tough and sometimes painful.  

When I think about times in the past when I have persevered, it usually has to do with running. Pushing myself out the door for a long run even though the race isn’t for months. Finally conquering that tough hill after walking up it every other time. Finishing that last kilometre of the race, even though every fibre of my being is screaming at me to stop. But in this season, Jesus is showing me a new way. Instead of pushing harder or faster, He is asking me to slow down, to be gentle with myself. He wants me to notice the subtle movements of my heart.  

In a recent confession, the priest asked me a probing question that required delicate discernment to notice the subtle movements of my heart. I responded quickly with the first thing that popped into my head. But we both knew that wasn’t the answer. He persisted and asked if there might be something else. I paused and reflected, looking deep inside. When I realized what it was, I felt embarrassed and ashamed. But in that safe space, I was able to say it out loud and I felt a huge weight lifted from me. The forgiveness I received was truly healing. Jesus, the one true Healer, poured His grace over me, washing me clean.  

I am so grateful for the ways that the Lord persists – always reaching His hand towards me. I pray that I can humble myself enough to reach back, with three simple words: “Lord, help me.” 

Regardless of the unique ways we all persevere, if we come to Him in humility, with an open heart, Jesus promises healing – whether in this life or the next. 




Lisa Matheson

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