Numbers 13:1-2,25-14:1,26-35/Ps. 105:6-7,13-23/Matt. 15:21-28

Beloved in Christ, to achieve any goal in life one needs to be persistent. Many people fail because they quit and give up early. In simple words, persistence means the attitude and personality trait of working hard and trying again and again until complete success is achieved.

 In today’s gospel, the Canaanite woman had a goal, to cure her daughter, and her persistent faith led her to achieve that goal. Let us note this, Persistence is a vital link to victory. We must know what we believe and be determined to stick with it until we see results. Her patience was tested and she persevered and never gave up but tried over and over until she attained her goal.

This pagan woman encourages all of us to persevere, even when our prospects seem bleak. She inspires us to keep trying, even when the Lord seems silent and far away.

Brethren, don’t ever give up just because someone told you that you can’t succeed; for stand against the enemy in the storms of life, we really must be determined. Never forget that, according to the God’s Word, “you are more than a conqueror” Rom. 8:37

Remember, Nehemiah definitely had a Spirit of a conqueror. He faced a storm of opposition, ridicule and intimidation as he tried to finish the task so important to him, the project God called him to complete. Similarly, you will face various kinds of storms as you endeavour to do what is important to you.

We are called to understand that people of great faith never give up and never quit because of difficulties and storms but they keep knocking on the Lord’s door, keep seeking, and keep asking.

We are called to keep on believing and trusting in the Lord no matter what and to grow in persistent faith. How persistent am I? Today, may we be as persistent with Jesus as this Canaanite woman and trust Him, for He will not disappoint us.

The catch Word for today is GRIT.

Mass Intentions: I pray in a very special way in this Mass for all those helping me in my ministry as a Priest, I pray for you my brother through your patron saint, Padre Pio, and Maria Josefina Cruz for your motherly love, care and support always.