The various challenges in the Faith Journey

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 20th Week : Sunday*

*Gospel :  Mt 15:21-28*

*First Reading : Is 56:1, 6-7*

*SECOND READING Rom 11:13-15, 29-32*

*The various challenges in the Faith Journey*

*1) The Cabnnanite Woman's Faith Journey*

The Gospel of the day, highlights the faith journey of the woman 

She came with the hope of getting something from Jesus. But her journey was not so easy. It was tough and challenging one 

At the end, we see, the woman comes out as the woman of great faith. She not only received the favour, but she also became a model for faith - a woman of faith 

*2) The Silence of God*

This is first great and disturbing challenge the woman had to face 

She came with a great hope. She shouts with the loud voice, thinking that she would get the favour

One side we have the Shouting of the woman, requesting Jesus to cast the demon out from her daughters life 

On the other hand we see that Jesus did not say a word to her in response 

So the silence of Jesus might have disturbed the woman in a great way 

*3) The indifferent attitude of the Disciples*

We also see this as the another great challenge in the faith journey of woman 

Those people who were around her, could have helped the woman who was begging for a favour. 

But the people around her, instead of helping her, wanted to send her off, so that they are relieved of the trouble and shouting 

They only thought about getting rid of the problem and not solving the problem

The indifference, non cooperation, unwillingness to help the other when in need, are the other great challenges faced by the woman in her faith journey

*4) The great Humility and Patience required*

In the faith journey her humility and patience was tested to the maximum 

She had to listen and accept that she was a gentile woman, who has no part in the salvation brought by Jesus 

She had to listen and accept that, she must be ready to accept the scraps which falls from the master's table

She had to accept that, she is a non Jew, and not eligible for any favour from the Jews

All these challenges and humiliations she had to undersgo in her faith's journey  

*5) The Modern day Challenges*

The silence of God and the indifference from those people who are around us are the greatest challenges we are facing today in our faith journey

The silence of God, to the prayers of the faithful, in various persecutions happening in our country,  is really a great challenge to digest to all of us 

The non cooperation and the indifferent attitude of those people who are around us, and who are in power and in responsible position is the another great challenge to our faith journey 

Apart from these, there are other challenges which are to be faced by us, in our faith journey

*6) The Temporariness of Jesus' Silence*

When we look at this episode, its very clear that, the silence of God was only for some time 

The silence of God made the woman to ask again and again and finally the woman's prayer is answered 

She was rewarded more than what she wanted. This is the God's way

*6) How deep is my faith?*

There are challenges in living our faith 

We will face the silence of God as we face the challenges

So what is my response? 

Will I question God about His silence? 

Will I be impatient till he answers my prayers? 

Will I give up? 

How deep is my faith?

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*