Whenever I read the Gospel of Matthew regarding the Canaanite woman who pleads with Jesus to heal her daughter possessed by a demon and she is refused THREE TIMES and called a “dog” I feel so bad for this woman whose prayer is initially unanswered!  But I KNOW that Jesus uses opportunities like this to teach us and I could never believe that he would leave this woman’s daughter in possession of a demon! 

Jesus shows us that the faith of the woman brought about the answer to her prayer request.  The perseverance of her request teaches us how to pray, with humility and commitment and complete faith in the Lord.  Answering her request Jesus shows us that it is our faith, not who we are, and our love of Him that brings us into his presence.  Jesus extends out from the Jews to the Gentiles the saving grace of God. 

The first reading from Isaiah is prophetic in nature and foretells of people from all nations being brought to God’s holy mountain, into his house of prayer.  The two readings go firmly hand in hand to teach us acceptance of all as God accepts all and intends salvation, not just for a select group, but for everyone. 

The Psalm this week, Psalm 67: O God, Let All the Nations Praise You again reiterates the praise of God by all nations!