And behold, a Canaanite woman from that region came out and cried, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David; my daughter is severely possessed by a demon.” But He did not answer her a word. And His disciples came and begged Him, saying, “Give her what she wants, for she is crying after us.” He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.”
~ Matthew 15:22-24
A couple of points to note from this exchange:
1) A sinner is crying out to Jesus, but Jesus, in His wisdom, first chose not to pay attention.
2) Upon intercession from His disciples, akin to how Catholics ask for intercession of the living Saints in Heaven, Jesus at last gives a response.
Conclusion: The intercession of the saints makes our prayers more efficacious.
But she came and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, help me.” And he answered, “It is not fair to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.” She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.” Then Jesus answered her, “O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed instantly.
~ Matthew 15:25-28
Another couple of points to note:
- The woman knelt down in humility.
- In humility, she prayed the simplest prayer which St. Peter himself said whilst drowning: Lord, help me.
Conclusion: Posture and Humility makes a difference. Our body speaks a language, and when we kneel before our Lord, it is acknowledging our littleness in light of God’s mercy and power. Also, God will always hear the humble. Humility itself, is central to true faith. Every single Saint for the past 2000 years have praised humility as the root of all virtues, and the essential disposition one must adopt to speak with God.
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