Holding steadfast to faith, which urges believers not to waver because God keeps His promises.

Lord, we’re here because we want to hear from you and your word.

And Lord, help us to trust in you. Pray you’d use this time just to grow us in our faith. 

 

＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊    

Jeremiah 31:1-7

The Lord

Declares that when that time comes he will be the God of all the families of Israel, and they will be his people.

Thus says the Lord: The people who survived the sword have found grace in the desert.

As Israel was seeking for his rest Yahweh appeared from afar saying,

I have loved you with a love everlasting, so I have kept for you my mercy.

I will restore you again, and you shall be rebuilt, O virgin Israel!

You will take up your tambourines and go out dancing joyfully.

 

You will plant vineyards again on the hills of Samaria,

and the farmers who plant them will enjoy their fruit.

There shall be a day when watchmen will call out on the hills of Ephraim,

"Come, let us go to Zion, to Yahweh our God!"

For the Lord says this, "Shout with joy for Jacob; rejoice for the greatest of nations.

Proclaim your praise and say: 'The Lord has saved his people, the remnant of Israel!'

 

Jer 31:10, 11-12ab, 13 

 The Lord will guard us as a shepherd guards his flock.

 

＊＊＊ Gospel ＊＊＊      

Matthew 15:21-28

Leaving that place, Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon.

A Canaanite woman from the area came and cried out, "Lord, Son of David,

have pity on me! My daughter is tormented by a demon." But Jesus did not answer her,

not even a word. So his disciples approached him and said, "Send her away! See how she is shouting after us." 

Then Jesus said to her, "I was sent only to the lost sheep of the nation of Israel."

 

But the woman was already kneeling before Jesus, and said, Sir, help me!" Jesus answered,

"It is not right to take the bread from the children and throw it to puppies."

The woman replied, "That is true, sir, but even puppies eat the crumbs which fall from their master's table."

Then Jesus said, "Woman, how great is your faith! Let it be as you wish." And her daughter was healed at that moment.

 

Gospel Reflection ：

Let us hold steadfast to our faith.

The story of the Canaanite woman serves as a powerful testament to

unwavering faith and perseverance. Despite being a Gentile,

she approaches Jesus with a desperate plea for her daughter's healing,

crying out, "Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David!"

Her remarkable courage in approaching Jesus is notable,

as cultural and societal barriers could have silenced her voice.

 

Even when Jesus initially appears distant, and her request is met with challenges,

the woman's persistence never wavers. She humbly acknowledges her

unworthiness yet boldly clings to her faith, declaring, "Even the dogs eat the crumbs

that fall from their master's table." Her faith touches Jesus's heart,

leading Him to commend her great belief, grant her request, and heal her daughter.

 

This passage encourages us to approach Jesus with the same determination and trust.

In moments when God seems silent or distant, we are called to persevere,

believing in His goodness. Like the Canaanite woman, let us hold steadfast to our faith,

trusting that God hears our prayers and responds in His perfect timing.