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This week’s scripture highlights the abundance of God’s gifts to His people and beyond. The passage itself is often a source of tension, but investigating it more thoroughly reveals an important lesson about agency, active listening, and perseverance. Additionally, it reminds us that getting mired in minutiae and in the past can cause us to become shortsighted when it comes to reaching out to those around us. In what ways are you looking to the future? Do you embrace change or shy from it? What abundance has God blessed you with that you may be able to share with your neighbor in need?

Matthew 15:21-28
The Canaanite Woman’s Faith
Jesus left that place and went away to the district of Tyre and Sidon. Just then 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 she 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.