The Lord will guard us as a shepherd guards his flock. — Jeremiah 31:(see 10)

Mass Readings: Jeremiah 31:1-7 / Matthew 15:21-28 

Asked and Answered 

In today’s Gospel, in different words each time, the Canaanite woman asks Jesus three times to cure her daughter’s affliction. Only after the mother asks repeatedly, does Jesus cure the daughter. Sometimes, in answer to repeated prayers, God says yes. 

A few years ago, my family moved across the country. I wanted to stay there; my wife wanted to move back. In perhaps the most pivotal conversation of my life, I told my wife, “I’ve been asking God to make you love this place and want to stay.” She replied, “Have you asked God what God wants?” I hadn’t. As soon as I did, I knew that God wanted us to move back, to where my wife wanted. Sometimes, in answer to repeated prayers, God says no. 

Prayer: Dear Lord, give us courage to ask of You and serenity to accept Your answer.