For the Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time…
She said, “Please Lord, for even the dogs eat the scraps
that fall from the table of their masters.” Matthew 15:27
When I was in grammar school, there simply wasn’t any tolerance for students talking back. The religious sisters at our Catholic school were very strict (in part because they had charge over dozens of students per class). Order and protocol were paramount. I can’t imagine my fourth-grade self ever openly questioning a religious sister. So, I am amazed at the persistence of the mother in today’s Gospel as she talks back not to the Mother Superior but to Jesus, no less! And Jesus eventually acquiesces, praising the determined mother for her great faith.
Where did she get such faith and courage? Perhaps this mother’s bravery and determination are due to her unconditional and complete love for her daughter. If a mother’s love is so incredibly powerful, how much more powerful must God’s love for each of us be?
Jesus, please help me to strengthen my faith and to love you more each day.
Terence Hegarty
Contributor to Living Faith, and editor of Living With Christ
This devotion is an excerpt that appears in our brand new devotional 365 Devotions for Catholic Seniors. Learn more about the book here. 
