Today's  Gospel reading begins as Jesus tries to escape the crowds of people. He  was tired and  needed time to rest and pray. He had  hoped to find a place where both He and His disciples could be alone and rest.

However, a woman whose daughter had an unclean spirit heard that Jesus was in Tyre and she quietly entered the house where He was staying. The woman was Greek and in that day, all Greeks were considered “dogs” by Jewish society. This woman was viewed as one of the least in their eyes and as such, she should have kept her distance from Jesus. But the woman was desperate and yet hopeful.

When she approached Jesus, He asked the woman why she was there. Jesus realized that it was highly unusual for a Greek woman to approach Him,  yet despite this, the woman spoke directly to Jesus. She told Him that even the dogs were permitted to eat the scraps that fell from the master’s table. And she would be more than content with the scrap that Jesus might give her. The scrap that she was hoping for was restored health for her daughter.

Jesus was astounded at the woman’s faith and courage and He immediately told her that the demon had left her daughter.

When the woman arrived home, her daughter was well!

What is the “demon” in our lives that we are asking Jesus to cast out today? Let us  spend some time today pondering that question. What will you ask Jesus for today?  He  is waiting for us!

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