Unwavering Faith

08-16-2026Weekly ReflectionFr. Bing Colasito

Today, we hear in the Gospel of the Canaanite woman who begged Jesus to help her daughter, tormented by evil. Though she was not a Jew and felt her unworthiness, she persisted in her plea: “Even the dogs eat the scraps that fall from their masters’ table.” In her, we see humility, faith, and gratitude—qualities rewarded when Jesus healed her daughter. Do we have the same faith and persistence as the Canaanite woman?

The compassionate nature of Jesus shines when confronted by sorrow, grief, hunger, and desperation. He wept at Lazarus’s death and brought him to life. He multiplied loaves and fish for the hungry crowd. He listened to the Centurion pleading for his servant and, today, this desperate mother. Each story shows Jesus responding to suffering, breaking down barriers of race, creed, or status. He asks only for faith, and His compassion reaches all: Jew or pagan, worthy or outcast. Let us follow Christ’s example and extend love and generosity beyond those we deem deserving. Let us reach out to the marginalized who need our help and care.

The Canaanite woman was desperate. Passed over twice, and she persevered. Ironically, it was the disciples—disturbed by her persistence—who asked Jesus to send her away. How often do we act like disciples, dismissing bothersome families, friends, or strangers in need? There are many Canaanite women in our lives, some truly desperate. May we see beyond our biases: thinking they are only after our money, a waste of time, or incapable of change. Have we ignored or pushed people away because we saw only a bothersome Canaanite woman?

As we mature, may we learn that our time to give back to God is now—not later. Do not give God only our scraps: our leftover time, energy, or material blessings. How much are we giving back? We are all on borrowed time. Let us not regret giving so little, so late. In receiving, even scraps from God are abundance; but when we give, let us give generously.

We fail only if we quit. Do your best and let God do the rest. Without commitment, we never begin. Without consistency, we never finish. Keep moving, striving, and never give up—on God, on others, or on yourself. God never gives up on us. All He asks is that we not give up trying. While we live, let us strive for excellence, goodness, truth, and holiness. Only God and we will know if we have given our best, or merely our scraps.

Lord, help us to give our best—not our scraps—to you and to your people.

When Jesus tested the woman, saying, “It is not right to throw the children’s food to the dogs,” she humbly replied, “Even the dogs eat the scraps that fall from the master’s table.” Her persistence and humility evoked Jesus’s admiration, and her faith was rewarded. When we approach God with humility, He moves with compassion and hears our prayers. “A humble and contrite heart, God will not spurn” (Ps. 51:17).