Women of Faith

It certainly was a great super bowl game. Although they are both winners in my estimation, one will bear the title of champion. While the football exhibition is fresh in my mind I could blog on it, yet, I keep thinking about today's gospel reading. So I'll leave that for the guys to post on, "the six-time champs." Here is a blog of interest.

Focusing on today's gospel, Orthodox Study Bible (Matthew 21-28). If you are a women, a Gentile, and have been sorely tested in life, then like me, this one should be of special interest to you, too.

In this gospel passage the woman's daughter has a huge problem and this poor mother is "hurting" not being able to help her. She turns in faith to the only one who can, Jesus. Interceding for her, she asked for His mercy. He didn't answer her. Like most mothers, she does not give up.

The woman is a Canaanite, whom we know were shunned by the Jews. They were driven out and not allowed to intermarry with them. Jesus was urged by His disciples to send her away. Apparently, this woman was shouting after them. I don't think that Jesus is silent because He does not want to help, but rather seeks to test her faith. (She perservers, determined not going to go away empty).

How are we like her? We are Gentiles and we know that Jesus was sent to save all mankind. We cry out to Him in faith through prayer, because we know that we are helpless except for what He can do for us, His children. We like that woman become desperate enough to shout it out, O Lord, Son of David, "Have Mercy on Me." And we are persistent, because we believe He will grant us our petition.

She went so far as to worship Him, as we do, getting on our knees, sometimes tearfully asking for help. Jesus revealed that He had come to save the lost sheep of Israel, using the example, let the children be filled "first." In the end, there is room for a woman, His creation, to also receive His mercy. Her faith causes Jesus to help her daughter "that hour." In her can be envisioned the future Gentile Church, the true Israel, coming to Christ.

She is praised by Jesus for her faith. And He gives her "her desire."

Many churches are known for having mostly women in attendance on Sunday. Orthodox believers are the exception here, I'm told. I believe both now and through the ages it was the faith of woman that made this great nation what it is today. It was built on the tears and prayers of mothers interceding for her children and others, persistently and with great faith, that like the Canaanite woman, was heard and was shown great mercy.

Jesus shows His great love for woman in the bible. Especially women of faith who call out to Him.